FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2026 Media Contact:
Louisa Tavlas
Vice President of Communications
ltavlas@niskanencenter.org
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senators John Kennedy (R-LA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representatives Dwight Evans (D-PA-03) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) reintroduced the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Act (VICTIM Act) in the U.S. Congress. The Niskanen Center is honored to have worked with these sponsors to develop this critical legislation.
The VICTIM Act authorizes $300 million in funding over five years directly to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire and retain violent crime investigators, improve evidence processing, and expand access to victims services. Together, these targeted investments would equip law enforcement with the tools needed to solve more cases, apprehend more violent offenders, deliver justice for victims, and improve public safety across America.
“I’m thankful for the Niskanen Center’s continued support of the VICTIM Act, which would help law enforcement solve more violent crimes, bring violent criminals to justice and deliver answers for victims’ families across America,” said Sen. Kennedy.
“Solving violent crime is the most powerful deterrent we have, and it starts with giving law enforcement what they actually need: detectives, forensic technology, and investigative training. When murders go unsolved, it denies victims and their communities justice, signals that authorities don’t care about public safety, and leaves perpetrators without consequences. With nearly half of homicide cases remaining unsolved, we cannot afford to keep shortchanging law enforcement. I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation, which dedicates critical resources to improve clearance rates so that law enforcement can solve these cases and every family gets the accountability they deserve,” said Sen. Booker.
“Ending criminal impunity is the most important criminal justice issue facing the U.S. today. The VICTIM Act will give law enforcement the resources necessary to solve violent crimes, hold offenders accountable, and prevent violence by ensuring serious crimes do not go unanswered,” said Greg Newburn, Niskanen’s director of criminal justice.
“I greatly appreciate the Niskanen Center’s continued work in helping to bring together a bipartisan coalition in support of the VICTIM Act to help solve shooting cases, increase public safety, and help victims,” said Rep. Evans.
“The VICTIM Act will provide law enforcement with the funding, training, and technology needed to solve more homicide and non-fatal shooting cases,” said Rep. Bacon. “By helping agencies investigate these serious crimes more effectively, this legislation will deliver justice for victims’ families, support the officers working these cases, and strengthen public safety across Nebraska. I appreciate Niskanen’s continued advocacy for this important bill.”
In addition to the Niskanen Center, the VICTIM Act is endorsed by the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, and the National District Attorneys Association. The full text can be accessed here.
The Niskanen Center is a 501(c)(3) advocacy organization established in 2014 to change public policy through direct engagement in the policymaking process.
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