Rep. Costa Celebrates Bipartisan Passage of Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act

WASHINGTON -  Last night, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), co-founder and co-chair of the Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus (CSJC), celebrated the passage of the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (CVFSA), bipartisan legislation that ensures consistent, year-to-year funding for the Crime Victims Fund (CVF). The bill allows states and local victim service providers to reliably sustain critical programs for survivors of crime. 

The Crime Victims Fund, financed through criminal fines and penalties rather than taxpayer dollars, is the primary federal funding source for Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants. These grants support essential services such as crisis counseling, emergency shelter, legal assistance, and advocacy for victims and their families. Stabilizing this funding ensures programs nationwide can continue delivering critical services, as highlighted by the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators (NAVAA). 

“Survivors of crime shouldn’t have to face uncertainty when accessing critical services,” said Rep. Costa. “This bipartisan bill stabilizes the Crime Victims Fund, giving families and communities in California and across the country the certainty that help will be there when it matters most. Local programs will be able to plan ahead, retain staff, and continue providing the critical support survivors rely on every day.” 

Costa was proud to co-lead this bill with Representative Ann Wagner (MO-02), along with other original bipartisan cosponsors, including Rep. Schmidt (KS-02), Rep. Dingell (MI-06), Rep. Moran (TX-01), and Rep. Bice (OK-05). 

The House passed the legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support, reflecting Congress’s commitment to victims of crime nationwide. With stabilized funding, states and local agencies can deliver uninterrupted VOCA-funded services, providing peace of mind for victims and their families who rely on these critical resources. 
 
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. 

Full text of the bill is available HERE.