Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in strong support of my legislation, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act.

Organized retail crime is far beyond isolated shoplifting. It is a highly coordinated criminal enterprise that harms businesses, workers, and families in every corner of our country.

Whether you are a truck driver, a small business owner, or an everyday consumer, this issue affects you.

These criminal organizations are engaging in large-scale theft operations involving violence and intimidation, putting the lives of retail workers, small business owners, and everyday shoppers at risk. They disrupt supply chains, drive up costs, and create economic shock waves that reach far beyond the retail sector.

Cargo theft and supply chain fraud are surging nationwide, and the consequences are serious.

First, it puts hardworking Americans in danger. Our truck drivers and rail workers play an essential role in keeping this country running, and they should not have to fear for their safety on the job.

Second, these crimes disrupt supply chains and raise consumer prices. As we have seen in recent years, when supply chains break down, it is hardworking families who are ultimately paying the price.

The goods stolen by these criminal organizations are not simply resold for profit. In many cases, the proceeds are used to finance broader criminal activity, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and weapons trafficking.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act gives law enforcement the tools they need to combat this growing epidemic. By establishing an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within the Department of Homeland Security, this legislation will improve coordination among Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies.

This bill also strengthens prosecutors' ability to pursue those criminal investigations and hold those threatening our businesses and our communities accountable.

From small businesses on Main Street to retailers operating nationwide, organized retail crime threatens a key pillar of the American economy. We can't allow criminal organizations to intimidate hardworking Americans, threaten jobs, or destabilize communities across our country.

That is why I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, especially this Police Week, and demonstrate that Congress will always stand with law enforcement, protect small businesses, and fight organized crime.

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