Reps. Lee, Buck, Titus, and Budd Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster Federal Response to Organized Retail Crime

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Representative Susie Lee (Nev.-03) announced the introduction of the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act. Rep. Lee was joined in introducing this legislation by U.S. Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04), Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), and Congressman Ted Budd (NC-13). This bipartisan legislation would create a multi-agency response, giving law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on the widespread retail theft that's hurting retailers and consumers.

"There's no doubt that organized retail crime remains a serious threat to southern Nevada and our country, and it's coming at great cost to consumers and retailers. Transnational criminal groups not only hit hard-working Americans' wallets through retail theft, but they also threaten our public safety with bolder, more violent attacks on American retailers. The stolen proceeds also support these groups' money laundering operations and other despicable activities like human trafficking, weapons smuggling, and terrorism financing," said Congresswoman Lee. "We cannot allow crime syndicates to continue to threaten American livelihoods and lives. My bipartisan Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act will give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on these criminal schemes that target Nevada shops and retailers, and to stand up for the safety of all American workers, businesses, and families."

"The explosion of organized, smash-and-grab looting of retail stores is a symptom of the underlying collapse of law and order in America under the Biden administration," said Congressman Buck. "These stolen goods are then typically resold on the internet by sophisticated interstate criminal networks. This bipartisan, bicameral bill will help law enforcement stop future attacks by improving coordination in the federal bureaucracy and ensuring that crimes of this type are appropriately punished."

"Organized retail theft causes economic harm to businesses and puts consumers at risk while funding transnational criminal organizations worldwide. The Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act will improve our federal response to these crimes and establish new tools to recover goods and illicit proceeds, deterring future attacks on U.S. retailers," said Congresswoman Titus.

"As organized retail crime is skyrocketing across our country, it's time for the federal government to develop a comprehensive strategy to fight back and support the law enforcement officers who do their best to keep our communities safe every day," said Congressman Budd.

The Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act establishes the Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center at Homeland Security Investigations, combining expertise from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies along with retail industry representatives to create a cohesive national strategy and curb organized retail crime. It empowers federal agencies to act proactively to dismantle organized retail crime networks and to stop the attacks on shops that are endangering and driving up costs for Nevadan businesses and consumers.

The legislation is endorsed by the National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Innovating Commerce Serving Communities, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.

Read more about the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Acthere.

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