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Costa, D'Esposito launch bipartisan Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus

March 14, 2023

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Anthony D'Esposito (NY-04) announced the launch of the bipartisan Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus in the 118th Congress. 

The Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus (formerly the “Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus”) was co-founded and established in 2005 by two then-freshman Members, Ted Poe, and Jim Costa. The Caucus has initiated and supported federal legislation that improves victims’ rights and services and works diligently to protect federal funds that are designated to aid victims and survivors of crime. The Caucus also provides resource guidance to communities traumatized by mass casualty events and other acts of violence. 

“Victims and survivors of crime deserve justice,” said Costa. “I’m proud to relaunch the bipartisan Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus to provide resources to crime survivors, improve victims’ service, and protect federal funds for critical programs supported by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA).” 

“Every crime has a victim, and every victim deserves justice,” said D’Esposito. “I am proud to relaunch the Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus with my colleague, Representative Costa, as we seek bipartisan solutions that aid survivors of crime, and ensure critical federal programs that support crime victims receive proper funding.”  

In the 117th Congress, Costa spearheaded the House version of the Respect for Child Survivors Act and the Reauthorization of the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA), which were signed into law. These laws reauthorized funding and implemented new provisions to support victims of child abuse and hold perpetrators accountable.

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