Congress makes trafficking-victim fund permanent, funded by convicts.
H.R. 4929 — Enduring Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act · Filed by Laurel Lee (R-FL) · Introduced Aug 8, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill removes a sunset date from a federal law that requires courts to impose a $5,000 special assessment on convicted traffickers (non-indigent persons or entities). The assessment was set to expire on September 30, 2025; this bill makes it permanent, ensuring that money continues to flow to victim services indefinitely.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole operative effect is to make permanent a dedicated assessment on trafficking convicts, ensuring continuous funding for victim services. It is a straightforward accountability and restitution measure.
What the text implies
- The bill does not specify how the $5,000 assessments are collected, distributed, or administered — that mechanism lives in the cited statute (18 U.S.C. § 3014). The civic effect depends on whether those funds actually reach victims or are diverted to general revenue.
- By removing the sunset, the bill creates a permanent obligation on courts to assess traffickers, but does not appropriate funds or mandate victim-service programs — the revenue stream exists only if courts enforce it and if the underlying statute directs the money to victims.
Who it affects
Trafficking victims gain a permanent, dedicated funding stream for services and restitution. The cost falls on convicted traffickers (non-indigent only), not the public.