WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) highlighted several important provisions he requested that were included in the fiscal year 2016 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill. The funding bill was approved by the full Appropriations Committee today, including the Victims of Child Abuse program.

“There are approximately 7,000 child abuse victims in Missouri each year, but we're fortunate to have 22 Children's Advocacy Centers in our state that provide a safe haven for our children,” Blunt said. “I’m pleasedto see several important provisions included in this bill today, which will help communities across the nation continue to care for our most vulnerable children and hold perpetrators accountable.”

Blunt Provisions Included in the FY16 Commerce, Justice & Science Appropriations Bill:

• Victims of Child Abuse Program – The bill funds the Victims of Child Abuse program at $20 million. This means the Victims of Child Abuse program is funded at the authorization level included in the Victims of Child Abuse Reauthorization Act. VOCAA, which Blunt introduced with U.S. Senator Chris Coons (Del.), was signed into law in 2014, and reauthorized the Victims of Child Abuse program at $20 million through FY2018. The president requested $11 million for FY2016. The Victims of Child Abuse Act program FY2015-enacted level was $19 million.

• Court Appointed Special Advocates – The bill funds CASA at $12 million. The president requested $6 million for FY2016. CASA’s FY2015-enacted level was $6 million. CASA is an effective program of competent, court-appointed community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children. This funding will also support training and technical assistance to assure quality and consistent volunteer training and standards.