Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Victims’ Voices Outside and Inside the Courtroom Effectiveness (Victims’ VOICES) Act, which will ensure that a person assuming the rights of a crime victim is eligible to receive restitution in the form of necessary and reasonable expenses associated with participating in the investigation or prosecution of the offense; attending proceedings relating to the offense; or transporting a victim to receive medical, physical or occupational therapy, rehabilitation, or other services.

Representative Hageman stated, “Under current federal law, those convicted of a crime may be required to pay restitution to their victim, however a person assuming rights for a victim, such as a husband, wife, mother, or father, may not be eligible for restitution, even when they play a necessary role in the legal process. This has been a far too common issue in crimes of violence and in tribal communities where locating and protecting missing and exploited women and children is a major challenge.

“The bipartisan and bicameral Victims’ VOICES Act will finally address this injustice and strengthen the ability to care for victims while effectively prosecuting criminals. I would like to thank my fellow Representative Lucy McBath (GA-07) for introducing this bill with me in the House, and U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), for leading the Senate companion.”

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Contact: Chris Berardi, Sr. Advisor/Communications Director