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VOICE Restoration Act

12/15/2023, 3:53 PM

Summary of Bill HR 47

The VOICE Restoration Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 47, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to restore funding to the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office, which was established by the Trump administration in 2017 but had its funding cut in subsequent years.

The VOICE Office was created to provide support and assistance to victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The office also aimed to raise awareness about the impact of these crimes on communities across the country. However, critics argued that the office was used to promote anti-immigrant sentiment and that its funding should be redirected to more effective programs.

The VOICE Restoration Act seeks to reinstate funding to the VOICE Office and ensure that it continues to provide services to victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. Proponents of the bill argue that these victims deserve support and assistance, regardless of the immigration status of the perpetrator. They also believe that the office plays an important role in raising awareness about the impact of these crimes on communities. Opponents of the bill argue that the VOICE Office is unnecessary and that its funding would be better spent on other programs that support victims of crime more broadly. They also argue that the office has been used to promote anti-immigrant sentiment and that its reinstatement would only serve to further divide communities. Overall, the VOICE Restoration Act is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public. It remains to be seen whether the bill will ultimately be passed into law.

Congressional Summary of HR 47

Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement Restoration Act or the VOICE Restoration Act

This bill establishes the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The office shall provide assistance to victims of crimes committed by non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who are present in the United States without lawful immigration status.

Current Status of Bill HR 47

Bill HR 47 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 9, 2023. Bill HR 47 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 9, 2023.  Bill HR 47's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of January 9, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 47

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 47

Primary Policy Focus

Immigration

Potential Impact Areas

- Border security and unlawful immigration
- Crime victims
- Immigration status and procedures
- Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 47

VOICE Restoration Act
VOICE Restoration Act
Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement Restoration Act
To establish the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office within the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.

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