CORCA gains bipartisan support to tackle organised retail crime in US

CORCA aims to enhance collaboration between law enforcement and the retail industry, improve data sharing, and provide stronger tools to investigate and prosecute retail and supply chain crimes. With 26 bipartisan Senate co-sponsors and endorsements from 38 state attorneys general, the bill has garnered wide support from over 260 businesses and numerous national associations, United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary said in a press release.

Retailers, law enforcement agencies, and logistics leaders have come forward to urge the swift passage of CORCA. The National Retail Federation and its business coalition called the legislation a ‘commonsense’ and ‘essential’ step in protecting public safety and safeguarding consumer access to goods. Similarly, the National Association of Attorneys General noted that the bill would supply necessary resources to combat this ‘nationwide epidemic’.

Law enforcement backing was echoed by the National Police Association, which praised CORCA for enabling unified efforts between the public and private sectors. The American Trucking Association highlighted the growing risk to truck drivers from cargo theft and endorsed the bill as a tool to bolster federal enforcement.

State-level stakeholders expressed similar sentiments. Brenda Neville, president of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, commended the bill’s impact on securing freight and protecting Iowa workers. In Illinois, a state ranking among the top three in cargo thefts, Matt Hart of the Illinois Trucking Association called on Senator Durbin to back the legislation, while California’s trucking industry also voiced strong support.

The Association of American Railroads reported a 40 per cent surge in cargo theft last year and stressed the need for a Federal strategy. The Retail Industry Leaders Association warned of the broader criminal links tied to retail theft, including human trafficking and drug smuggling, urging for a more coordinated response.

Major corporations have also endorsed the bill. The Home Depot welcomed the creation of a federal coordination centre, while Ulta Beauty supported real-time data sharing across jurisdictions. American Eagle Outfitters’ chief global asset protection officer Scott McBride issued a personal plea to lawmakers, urging unity to curb these crimes.

With companion legislation already introduced in the House of Representatives David Joyce (R-Ohio) and Susie Lee (D-Nev), stakeholders from across sectors hope for rapid passage of CORCA during the 119^th Congress to effectively dismantle organised retail crime networks and secure America’s supply chains.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)