H.R.909 - Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 909, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, aims to bolster the Crime Victims Fund by temporarily directing additional deposits into it. These deposits would come from False Claims Act settlements (specifically sections 3729 through 3731 of title 31, United States Code) from the date of enactment through fiscal year 2029. The bill specifies that funds used to compensate qui tam plaintiffs and reimburse the government for damages are excluded from these deposits.
The bill amends Section 1402(b)(6) of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to include these additional deposits.
The bill is sponsored by Mrs. Wagner and several co-sponsors and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to increase the financial resources available in the Crime Victims Fund. This could lead to enhanced support for victim assistance programs and services.
By directing funds from False Claims Act settlements, the bill seeks to ensure a more stable and robust funding stream for victim support. However, the exclusion of funds for qui tam plaintiffs and government reimbursement may limit the overall impact.
The bill's temporary nature (through fiscal year 2029) suggests a short-term solution to address funding gaps in the Crime Victims Fund.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for victim assistance programs, potentially leading to improved services and support for crime victims.
- A more stable funding stream for the Crime Victims Fund, reducing uncertainty in resource allocation.
- Utilization of funds recovered from False Claims Act settlements to directly benefit those harmed by crime.
- Could lead to more effective crime prevention initiatives due to increased resources.
- May improve the overall well-being and recovery of crime victims through enhanced support services.
Potential Disadvantages
- The exclusion of funds for qui tam plaintiffs and government reimbursement may reduce the total amount available for the Crime Victims Fund.
- The temporary nature of the bill (through fiscal year 2029) means that a long-term funding solution is not addressed.
- Reliance on False Claims Act settlements may create variability in the fund's income, depending on the number and size of settlements.
- There is no guarantee that the increased funding will be allocated efficiently or effectively to the most pressing needs of crime victims.
- The bill does not address potential issues with the existing structure or management of the Crime Victims Fund.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to provide resources for crime victims, promoting the well-being of a segment of the population. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments. The bill operates within the established framework of congressional authority to allocate funds and legislate on matters related to crime and justice.
However, the specific allocation of funds and the mechanisms for their distribution could be subject to scrutiny to ensure they are consistent with principles of due process and equal protection under the law.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).