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CORCA Advances to Senate as Lawmakers Clash Over Cargo Theft Scope

Legislation designed to strengthen federal coordination against organized cargo theft faces a key debate in the Senate over the true scale of the problem. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act cleared the House in May with overwhelming bipartisan support, garnering 348 votes in favor. However, disagreement has emerged regarding what cargo theft data actually demonstrates. Both proponents and critics acknowledge organized theft affects transportation, yet dispute whether documented losses warrant expanded federal intervention. Opponents contend reported thefts represent a minimal fraction of total freight movement annually. Supporters counter that current reporting systems capture only a portion of actual crimes, suggesting official figures understate the problem's true scope. CORCA would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations. The center would coordinate investigations across federal, state and local agencies alongside private industry partners. The bill also mandates annual reporting on organized retail and supply chain crime trends.