Sheila Jackson Lee: “Across America, we can hear the cries of those who have been victims of crime. It is not in any way distinguished by…”

“Across America, we can hear the cries of those who have been victims of crime. It is not in any way distinguished by communities, race, age, or sex. It prevails in our society. I am reminded of the tragedy of two brothers on a crime spree killing a man and kidnapping a woman. Those are victims of crimes. Their families are victims of crimes. I can assure you, Madam Speaker, that we stand collectively, as Members of Congress, recognizing that VOCA is crucial to responding to restorative justice for victims. The Federal grants used to support victim services through VOCA have decreased significantly over the past several years. Further drastic cuts to VOCA funding are expected as the nontaxpayer-funded pool from which these grants originated, the Crime Victims Fund, is running dry. I am delighted to be an original cosponsor with Chairman Nadler, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and Ms. Scanlon, and to have worked with Congresswoman Wagner over the years on this very important legislation. Further drastic cuts to VOCA are expected as the nontaxpayer-funded pool from which these grants originate, the Crime Victims Fund, is running dry. The Crime Victims Fund serves as an example of true justice because the money used to support victims comes, not from taxpayer dollars but, rather, from the criminal fines and penalties paid by federally convicted offenders.…”