American Eagle and Home Depot Back Federal Retail Crime Bill

Growing Support for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 (CORCA) is gaining momentum as more lawmakers and industry leaders rally behind its goals. This bipartisan initiative has attracted support from a coalition of 38 state attorneys general, who are advocating for the creation of an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The center would serve as a hub to enhance collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private retail loss prevention teams, making it easier to track and apprehend individuals involved in organized retail crime.

The bill emphasizes the need for new tools and strategies to investigate and penalize those involved in retail theft rings. It also aims to improve the recovery of stolen merchandise and cash. Industry groups such as the National Retail Federation (NRF), the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), and the American Trucking Association have already voiced their support, urging lawmakers to move forward with the legislation.

Representatives David Joyce (R-Ohio) and Susie Lee (D-Nev.) have introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives, further strengthening the push for CORCA. RILA highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between the private sector and government to better identify and punish organized retail criminals.

"Organized criminal enterprises are endangering communities across the country through brazen and violent criminal acts that put retail employees and customers in harm's way," the organization stated. "Whether stealing mass quantities of products from retail stores or hijacking consumer goods throughout the supply chain, these gangs are wreaking havoc. In order to expose and prosecute these sophisticated criminal rings, we need federal, state and local law enforcement to be coordinated, which is exactly what CORCA will do."

The NRF echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that legislation like CORCA would protect retailers from widespread theft and crime issues. American Eagle Outfitters, a member of the trade group, recently testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the bill.

Scott McBride, chief global asset protection officer at American Eagle, said the proposed bill would help protect the company and other retailers from senseless crimes. "As a professional dedicated to protecting customers and associates, I implore all members of Congress to work together to ensure that the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act urgently becomes the law of the land. This critical legislation will help us stop these senseless crimes in our communities," he said.

Home Depot, another major retailer, has also voiced strong support for CORCA. The company has faced targeted retail crime operations across the country and has testified at recent hearings. "The Home Depot strongly supports CORCA, and we are pleased to see that the Senate bill has over 20 bipartisan cosponsors," the company stated. "The bill would create the Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center, bringing together federal, state, and local law enforcement and private sector experts to share information and collaborate on strategies to keep our stores, customers, and associates safe and secure."

Logistics companies and supply chain organizations have also joined the growing chorus of support for CORCA. Supply chain intelligence firm Overhaul projected that cargo theft would increase by 22 percent between 2024 and 2025, with a 49 percent increase in 2024 compared to 2023. Experts note that these crimes often occur near warehouses, fulfillment centers, or when trucks and freight are left unattended.

Donna Lemm, chief strategy officer of IMC Logistics, said the bill would help address challenges faced by both store operators and third-party logistics players. "It is imperative that action is taken at the federal, state, and local levels to confront and neutralize this growing threat," she said. "The trucking industry and our supply chain partners need more cooperation and interagency information-sharing, as well as a more robust investigative and prosecutorial posture, to tackle these challenges head on."

As the bill continues to gain traction, its potential impact on reducing organized retail crime and enhancing supply chain security remains a central focus for lawmakers and industry leaders alike.