The resolution urges the President and Congress to enact the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023, which is currently pending in Congress as H.R.895 and S.140. This legislation aims to tackle the growing issue of organized retail crime, which involves large-scale theft by groups intending to resell stolen items for profit. The economic impact of such crimes is significant, with estimates suggesting that organized retail crime will cost U.S. retailers $100 billion in 2023 alone, reflecting a 50% increase in costs since 2015. Additionally, the resolution highlights the safety risks posed to consumers and retail workers, as many retailers report instances of verbal and physical assaults by organized retail crime subjects.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023 seeks to enhance law enforcement capabilities by strengthening federal money laundering statutes and allowing for criminal forfeiture after convictions related to organized retail theft. Furthermore, the act proposes the establishment of a Center to Combat Organized Retail Crime within the Department of Homeland Security, which would work in collaboration with retailers to address the issue and provide reporting on organized retail crime activities. The resolution emphasizes the urgency of enacting this legislation to effectively combat the rising tide of organized retail crime across the United States.