Why It Matters
The National Children’s Alliance faces an existential funding crisis threatening its 900+ member children’s advocacy centers. The Crime Victims Fund (CVF) —which finances roughly 35 percent of CAC budgets nationwide—has collapsed by over 70 percent since 2018, forcing centers to slash services and close entirely.
The Alliance’s final quarter 2025 lobbying targets two critical solutions: securing stable funding through FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations and passing the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act. Bipartisan congressional momentum has never been stronger, with Rep. Ann Wagner citing "devastating 40 percent funding cuts" to victim services.
By the Numbers
The National Children’s Alliance reported $120,000 in fourth quarter 2025 lobbying spending. Since 2013, the organization has spent $5.7 million across 96 filings, with $3.9 million through its in-house operation led by Denise Edwards.
The Alliance supplements its in-house operation with external firms: HB Strategies (2018-2025) accounting for $1.6 million over 32 filings, and CJ Lake LLC contributing $70,000 since 2024.
The Agenda
The National Children’s Alliance is lobbying on securing Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations and stabilizing the Crime Victims Fund. The CVF collapse has forced children’s advocacy centers to absorb devastating cuts—some rural centers face 80 percent reductions.
Congress has responded with bipartisan momentum: the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act, which passed the House unanimously with 327 cosponsors in January 2026, redirecting unobligated False Claims Act funds to stabilize the depleted account.
Broader Context
The Trump administration cancelled $150 million in grants serving children in April 2025, intensifying pressure on already-struggling centers. Rural CAC closures have occurred due to 80 percent funding cuts, while Alabama centers face staff exodus.
Beyond immediate funding relief, Congress is advancing child protection legislation including the STOP CSAM Act, Child Rescue Act, and statute of limitations reform targeting child sexual abuse cases.
Between The Lines
Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) has spearheaded the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act. Wagner’s office met with Denise Edwards to discuss resources, and the National Children’s Alliance awarded her its "Champion for Children" award.
Members like Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) have emphasized how funding shortfalls devastate victim services. Costa previously led a letter with 33 lawmakers urging release of delayed VOCA funds.
Competitive Landscape
The Zero Abuse Project has engaged in parallel lobbying on overlapping priorities including Victims of Crims Act reauthorization and FY26 appropriations. More than 700 prosecutors have mobilized urging congressional CVF action, while states like Maryland and Colorado have passed legislation supplementing federal funds with state resources.
This broader coalition includes multiple victim service providers affected by the CVF crisis, creating mounting pressure from stakeholders demanding federal funding stability beyond individual organizational efforts.
The Bottom Line
The National Children’s Alliance spent $120,000 in the final quarter of 2025 lobbying for stable Crime Victims Fund resources through Denise Edwards. While the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act passed the House unanimously, the Senate has yet to act. The Alliance’s advocacy underscores an ongoing challenge: federal victim services funding remains dependent on criminal penalties rather than stable appropriations, creating structural vulnerabilities even as Congress shows bipartisan interest in child protection.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article