Rep. Harriet Hageman, U.S. Representative for Wyoming | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Harriet Hageman, U.S. Representative for Wyoming | Official U.S. House headshot
Today, the House of Representatives passed the Victims’ Voices Outside and Inside the Courtroom Effectiveness (Victims’ VOICES) Act. The legislation aims to ensure that individuals assuming the rights of crime victims are eligible to receive restitution for necessary and reasonable expenses associated with participating in investigations or prosecutions, attending related proceedings, or transporting victims to receive medical or therapeutic 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."
Hageman added, “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), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) for leading the Senate companion.”
Contact: Chris Berardi, Sr. Advisor/Communications Director
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