Press Releases

Amendments Pass as Part of CJS FY16 Bill and JVTA Omnibus Bill

U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released a statement on her two amendments’ passage as part of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill:

“As an appropriator, I am deeply committed to funding programs that will improve the lives of my constituents and this nation’s citizens. Today I am proud to announce that both of my amendments passed the House Appropriations Committee. The first amendment funded the Rape Survivor Child Custody Act, which protects rape survivors and their children conceived through rape and who decide to carry their child to term, at $5 million for FY16 as part of the CJS Appropriations bill. The additional funding will incentivize states to allow a woman to terminate the parental rights of a rapist. 

“I am also proud to announce another amendment passed by the Committee which will direct the U.S. Department of Justice to hire and equip wounded veterans as part of the HERO Act, which promotes the hiring of wounded military veterans to aid law enforcement in investigating child exploitation, at $1 million in FY16.  

“These two bills, which passed yesterday as part of the omnibus JVTA law, are a significant step forward for sexual assault survivors and exploited children. We are committed to ridding this nation and world of these vicious crimes, and will not rest while there is more work to be done.”

Video of Rape Survivor Child Custody Act Amendment

Video of HERO Act Amendment

Click here for more information on the JVTA bill, the Rape Survivor Child Custody Act, the HERO Act, and the Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act.

###