The House of Representatives has passed the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act, a significant piece of legislation spearheaded by Congressman Derek Schmidt of Kansas. This initiative focuses on bolstering support for victims of violent crime by redirecting unused funds from the False Claims Act into the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) through fiscal year 2029.
Congressman Schmidt highlighted the necessity of this Act, pointing out the critical funding gap that victim assistance programs face. With an 83% decline in CVF revenue since 2017, many programs supporting approximately 3.7 million victims each year have had to reduce their services. He remarked, “Redirecting money from those who attempted to misuse funds… is a practical and responsible way to address the CVF’s current funding gap.”
The Crime Victims Fund, established in 1984, is financed through fines and penalties rather than taxpayer dollars, ensuring that victims receive necessary assistance without burdening the public purse. By stabilizing this fund, the new legislation aims to restore vital services and support programs that have been compromised due to financial constraints.
In addition to his legislative work, Derek Schmidt recently reported a staggering $266.8K in fundraising for the third quarter, with 71.5% coming from individual contributions. At the end of the reporting period, he held $451.9K in cash on hand. Schmidt’s net worth is estimated at $3.5 million, making him the 202nd wealthiest member of Congress.
Alongside this recent legislation, Schmidt has proposed several other bills aimed at improving various sectors, such as rural healthcare for veterans and addressing Medicaid fraud, underscoring his commitment to public service and community welfare.
This new legislation and Schmidt’s ongoing efforts reflect a growing recognition of the importance of supporting crime victims, ensuring they receive necessary resources for recovery and reintegration into society. The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act is seen as a vital step toward remedying the financial challenges faced by these essential support programs.