WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) have reintroduced the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a bipartisan measure designed to counter the growing wave of flash mob robberies and complex retail theft operations affecting communities and businesses across the nation.
“If we can do anything to help law enforcement, we should,” said Cassidy. “Organized crime always looks to expand its territory. Let’s fight back.”
The bill aims to create a more robust, coordinated federal response by:
- Establishing an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within the Department of Homeland Security, integrating expertise from local law enforcement, federal agencies, and the retail sector.
- Providing new tools for federal investigation and prosecution, helping law enforcement recover stolen goods and proceeds more effectively.
Rising Concern Among Retailers
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF):
- 84% of retailers report increased violence and aggression linked to retail crime since 2022.
- Larceny incidents in 2023 were up 93% compared to 2019.
Criminal enterprises are increasingly using online tools to organize thefts, sell stolen merchandise, and funnel profits—making organized retail crime a growing national threat.
Broad Bipartisan Support
Joining Cassidy and Grassley in co-sponsoring the legislation are U.S. Senators: Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), James Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ted Budd (R-NC), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Steve Daines (R-MT), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Ted Cruz (R-TX).
Industry and Law Enforcement Backing
The legislation has earned support from a wide range of organizations, including:
- National Retail Federation
- Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
- Major County Sheriffs of America
- Retail Industry Leaders Association
- American Trucking Association
- UPS, DHL
- Amazon, Home Depot
- And more than 25 other industry, shipping, and law enforcement groups
For more information, visit cassidy.senate.gov or grassley.senate.gov.