Crime Victims Fund Rescission: Real Savings or Budget Gimmick?

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The President’s FY07 Budget proposes to raid the self-funded Crime Victims Fund and drain the Fund of its money. The Fund utilizes criminal fines, fees and forfeitures in order to pay for victims’ services and compensation—making criminals pay for the system they create. The Crime Victims Fund ensures justice through restitution and is a rare example of a federal program that funds itself. The Administration suggests the Fund is a gimmick, and this hearing will determine whether the Fund or the proposed raid of the Fund is the real budget gimmick.