Congresswoman Lee, Local Law Enforcement, Retail Partners Discuss Legislation to Combat Organized Retail Crime
Watch and Download Video of Press Conference
LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) joined Catalyst Brands, parent company of JCPenney, the National Retail Federation, and the Nevada Organized Retail Crime Association to discuss her bipartisan, bicameral Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would deter individuals and groups involved in organized retail crime (ORC). Recently, the House Judiciary Committee marked up and passed her bill unanimously.
“Organized retail crime puts all of us in danger. This isn’t typical shoplifting — this is a coordinated criminal enterprise that hurts consumers, taxpayers, and businesses of all sizes. And in Nevada, our economy and geography make us particularly vulnerable to retail theft networks,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “Our local and state law enforcement are doing incredible work, but, because these organizations operate across state line and even internationally, we need coordination at the federal level to investigate and prosecute these crimes. My bipartisan legislation will support law enforcement with the tools they need to crack down on these criminal operations.”
“The impact of organized retail crime is felt by every retailer and community across the nation. It is not petty theft but coordinated criminal activity that ultimately funds more serious crimes,” said David Johnston, NRF Vice President of Loss Prevention and Retail Operations. “We are grateful for Representative Lee’s leadership in spearheading federal action that strengthens the ability of local and state agencies to dismantle these networks, curb these crimes and protect our businesses, communities and retail economy.”
The legislation would update the law to designate ORC as a federal offense and allow federal judges to order criminal forfeiture of the stolen goods, while supporting law enforcement with the tools needed to crack down on the rise in theft of merchandise, fraud, and other organized crimes against people and groups.
In Nevada, ORC caused an estimated loss of $85 million in tax revenue and over $466 million in the total amount of goods stolen in 2021. ORC affects consumers, workers, and businesses — costing over $1 billion in lost products, higher insurance, increased prices of goods, and unrealized wages in Nevada alone. The National Retail Federation also ranked Las Vegas as the #6 city most affected by retail crime in 2025.
The bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would:
- Establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations at the Department of Homeland Security.
- Designate ORC a federal crime and equip federal investigators and prosecutors to combat these operations.
- Require the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice to report to Congress on this type of crime and enforcement.
Congresswoman Lee introduced the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act with Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14). Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. On January 30, 2026, the House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, teeing it up for a vote by the full House of Representatives.
Congresswoman Lee has secured over $4.5 billion in federal funding to support public safety and will continue working to ensure local law enforcement officers have the tools and resources they need to keep southern Nevada safe.
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