Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford) is introducing legislation to crack down on cargo theft plaguing the nation, and especially California, in recent years.
Valadao introduced the Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act on Tuesday and was joined by Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), Rep. Darin LaHood (R–IL), Rep. Vince Fong (R–Bakersfield) and Rep. August Pfluger (R–TX).
The big picture: The Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act would improve coordination between the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI to tackle supply chain theft.
- It would establish the Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center in the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as a Supply Chain and Theft Task Force led by HSI and the FBI.
- HSI’s Innovation Lab will operate the coordination center and analyze data related to supply chain fraud and theft. It will also analyze regions and modes of transportation that are experiencing high volumes of organized crime.
- The Task Force would be required to report to Congress within 180 days after the bill is enacted, with annual reports to follow.
Why it matters: Supply chain theft has been a major problem since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The total loss and damage claims associated with theft paid by Class I railroads increased from $13.8 million in 2021 to $33.7 million in 2022, an increase of over 140 percent.
- The trucking industry faced a 46 percent increase in organized criminal activities year-over-year during the first quarter of 2024.
- That report, conducted by Verisk Analytics, estimated that $154.6 million worth of goods were stolen during that period.
What they’re saying: “Central Valley families are paying more for just about everything, and supply chain disruptions only make this problem worse,” Valadao said.
- “The alarming increase in cargo theft is having a devastating impact across industries, and we need to do more to ensure these goods are making it to their destination,” Valadao continued. “The Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act will improve coordination to identify solutions and prevent theft. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill and look forward to working with my colleagues to get this across the finish line.”
