US retail leaders urge Senate to pass act that combats retail crime

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has welcomed the Senate’s decision to include the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) as an amendment to the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

It comes after the association sent a letter to senators, which was signed by nearly 200 organizations, urging the quick passage of the bill.

The act has strong bipartisan support from lawmakers, law enforcement, and the wider retail industry.

Evan Armstrong, senior vice president of government affairs at RILA, explained: “Leading retailers extend our sincere thanks to Senators Grassley and Durbin for their leadership and commitment to addressing organized retail crime and moving the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act forward.”

Adding: “This bipartisan bill brings together needed resources and federal coordination that will strengthen collaboration between law enforcement and industry partners to dismantle the criminal syndicate networks running cargo theft and gift card schemes and too-often violent instore theft events.”

RILA has been at the forefront of addressing organized crime by advocating for stronger legislative solutions at the federal and state level, fostering collaboration between retailers and law enforcement.

Armstrong continued: “Holding the individuals and networks behind these crimes accountable will help make communities, workers, and retail stores safer. We look forward to working with Senators to see this bill pass the Senate.”