Kings County Times

Congressman David Valadao of California, in collaboration with several other representatives, has introduced the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) to address the rising issues of organized retail crime. The bill, which is supported by both parties in Congress, aims to improve legal tools available to law enforcement to tackle interstate and transnational crime. A Senate version of the bill is also being championed by Senators Chuck Grassley and Catherine Cortez Masto.

The new legislation is an extension of measures suggested in the Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act, previously introduced by Valadao and Congressman Brad Schneider. Valadao emphasized the pressing impact of organized retail crime on families and small businesses, particularly in Central Valley, California. “Organized retail crime and supply chain theft are hitting families and small businesses hard in the Central Valley and beyond,” he stated. Valadao noted the sophistication of the criminal networks behind these crimes and the threat they pose to public safety and consumer costs.

Representative Dave Joyce of Ohio highlighted the nationwide impact of these crimes, which not only burden businesses but also encourage other illegal activities such as human trafficking. He expressed appreciation for broad congressional support and the efforts of Senator Grassley in driving the initiative. “Businesses throughout my district are facing the burdens of a rise in organized retail crimes and fraud schemes that are sweeping the nation,” said Joyce.

Congresswoman Susie Lee pointed to the dangers posed by organized retail crime, including its funding of human trafficking and terrorism. She called for federal coordination to assist state and local law enforcement. “Our local and state law enforcement are doing incredible work, but we need coordination at the federal level to investigate and prosecute these crimes,” said Lee.

The legislation aims to establish a coordinated federal response to combat these crimes and protect consumers, local businesses, and the transport networks. Representative Dina Titus emphasized the importance of targeting the criminals and protecting consumer interests. “By establishing a coordinated federal response, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would target the criminals who endanger consumers, local businesses, and transportation networks,” she commented.

Congressman Schneider of Illinois pointed out the growing problem of organized cargo and retail theft and the need for federal intervention to tackle this issue. Representative Laurel Lee added that retail theft has increased significantly and requires a federal response. “With retail theft surging by 93 percent over the last four years, the time to act is now,” said Lee.

The bipartisan legislation has been met with support from various organizations and industry leaders. The National Retail Federation and other groups have highlighted the potential of the act to provide necessary resources and coordination between law enforcement and businesses to tackle these crimes effectively.

The bill also seeks to strengthen penalties for organized retail crime, expand money laundering statutes, and mandate the establishment of the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center. This center would facilitate coordination and information sharing between different sectors, including private companies, to help prosecute those involved in these crimes.

Many organizations, such as The Home Depot, the Major County Sheriffs of America, and the American Trucking Associations, have expressed their support for the bill. These groups believe the legislation will provide essential tools and resources to law enforcement to curb these criminal activities and safeguard supply chains across the country.