US Railroads Push for Federal Crime Bill to Protect Supply Chains

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is making a forceful push for new federal legislation to combat organized retail crime, urging Congress to pass a bill that would create a coordinated federal response to the sophisticated theft networks plaguing U.S. supply chains. The call to action comes as the entire retail and logistics ecosystem grapples with immense financial pressures, including record-high operational costs that amplify the economic damage caused by cargo theft.

Main Body:

The Association of American Railroads has issued a strong appeal to U.S. lawmakers for the passage of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA). In a recent statement, AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies emphasized that the bipartisan bill is a “critical step” in confronting criminal enterprises that systematically target freight railroads, trucking companies, and retailers. Jefferies described the threat as “sophisticated, multijurisdictional criminal operations” that not only disrupt the flow of goods but also endanger employees and drive up costs for consumers. With the bill having recently cleared the House Judiciary Committee, the AAR is advocating for its swift passage in the full House and Senate to enable a robust federal response to a problem the rail industry cannot solve alone.

Unlike infrastructure projects with specific technical blueprints, CORCA’s design is procedural and strategic, focusing on enhancing inter-agency collaboration. The legislation aims to establish a federal framework to coordinate investigations and prosecutions across state lines, breaking down jurisdictional barriers that organized crime rings often exploit. The bill targets the command and control structures of these networks, rather than just low-level perpetrators, addressing everything from “flash mob” style robberies at retail locations to large-scale, targeted theft of goods from trains and shipping containers. This federal-level approach is deemed essential for tackling criminal groups that operate nationally, coordinating thefts in one state and selling the stolen goods in another.

The rail industry’s push for this legislation occurs against a backdrop of severe economic strain across the entire American supply chain. While organized theft represents a direct and growing security threat, retailers and their logistics partners are simultaneously battling escalating operational costs. For instance, credit and debit card swipe fees—a significant expense for retailers—surged to a record $187.2 billion in 2024. Although unrelated to theft, such mounting financial pressures reduce margins and make businesses more vulnerable to the economic shocks caused by criminal activity. The AAR’s support for CORCA underscores a wider industry need to protect supply chain integrity and profitability from multiple converging threats.

Key Takeaways

• The AAR is strongly urging Congress to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) to protect U.S. supply chains.
• The bill focuses on creating a coordinated federal law enforcement response to dismantle sophisticated, multijurisdictional theft networks.
• This legislative push is happening as the retail and logistics sectors face broader economic challenges, making the impact of organized crime more acute.

Editor’s Analysis

The AAR’s vocal support for CORCA signals a crucial evolution in how the freight industry views cargo security. This is no longer just about reinforcing container locks or increasing yard patrols; it is a recognition that modern cargo theft is a form of transnational organized crime that requires a federal, intelligence-led law enforcement response. For the global rail market, this development in the U.S. is significant. If successful, CORCA could become a legislative blueprint for other nations struggling to protect their own supply chains from similar criminal enterprises. It demonstrates a strategic shift from purely private security measures to a public-private partnership model, acknowledging that the integrity of national and global commerce is a matter of state-level security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA)?
CORCA is a proposed bipartisan federal bill designed to combat organized retail crime by improving coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute criminal networks that steal goods from retailers and throughout the supply chain.

Why is the Association of American Railroads supporting this bill?
The AAR supports the bill because freight railroads are increasingly targeted by organized theft rings that steal cargo, disrupt supply chain operations, endanger employees, and increase costs. They believe a federal response is necessary to address these sophisticated, cross-jurisdictional criminal operations.

What is the current status of the CORCA bill?
The bill was recently approved by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee. The next steps are a vote by the full U.S. House of Representatives, followed by consideration in the U.S. Senate before it can be enacted into law.