Bipartisan Cargo Theft Bill Gains Momentum on Capitol Hill

Key Details The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is advancing through Congress with strong bipartisan support. The legislation has backing from roughly half of House members, 43 senators, and the Trump administration. It recently cleared the House Judiciary Committee with support from both parties, a significant achievement given the panel's typical partisan divisions. Why It Matters The bill would establish a multi-agency task force to combat organized retail theft targeting trucking, rail, and retail sectors. It would provide law enforcement with better tools to connect crime patterns across jurisdictions and dismantle theft networks affecting freight operations. Carriers have increasingly reported losses to organized theft rings hitting supply chains nationwide. Next Steps Advocates prefer moving the bill as standalone legislation before the midterm elections narrow Congress' legislative window. However, they remain open to attaching it to larger measures like a surface transportation reauthorization if needed. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is beginning early work on a long-term highway bill. American Trucking Associations' Law Enforcement Advisory Board has urged congressional leaders to act quickly, emphasizing the legislation's critical role in strengthening federal coordination and protecting freight operations from escalating theft schemes.