Contact Congress about H.R. 2853: Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025

Federal prosecutors could bring more cases against theft rings that steal goods and move or resell them. A new Homeland Security center would help police and businesses share information about retail and supply chain crime.

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Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 is a House bill passed by the House. The latest recorded action: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 348 - 60 (Roll no. 157). (text: CR H3364-3366).

Latest action on H.R. 2853: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 348 - 60 (Roll no. 157). (text: CR H3364-3366)

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects retailers, shipping and transportation companies, police agencies, federal prosecutors, and people accused of organized theft or stolen-goods crimes. Businesses could get a clearer federal contact point for reporting patterns. Police could get more shared information, training, and technical help. Defendants could face more federal charges if thefts are combined or tied to money laundering.

Why this matters: Organized theft rings can hit stores, shipping networks, and resale markets across many places at once. This bill would give federal agencies clearer tools to connect those cases instead of treating each theft as separate. It could help police and businesses spot patterns faster. But the real effect would depend on how agencies run the new center, share information, and use existing grant and training programs.

Key provisions in H.R. 2853

• The government could seize property tied to more theft crimes. This would cover certain federal cargo theft and stolen-goods crimes under laws numbered 18 U.S.C. 659, 2314, and 2315.
• Money-laundering rules would clearly cover prepaid cards and gift cards. That includes general-use prepaid cards, gift certificates, and store gift cards.
• Some theft crimes could support money-laundering charges. The bill adds federal cargo theft and stolen-goods crimes under 18 U.S.C. 659, 2314, and 2315 to the list of starting crimes for those cases.
• Prosecutors could add together stolen property values over 12 months. That could help reach the $5,000 threshold for federal stolen-goods cases under 18 U.S.C. 2314 and 2315.
• Some thefts could become federal cases when people use interstate or foreign commerce systems. That can include shipping, phones, the internet, or other tools that cross state or national lines.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 2853

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 2853

What is H.R. 2853?

Federal prosecutors could bring more cases against theft rings that steal goods and move or resell them. A new Homeland Security center would help police and businesses share information about retail and supply chain crime.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 2853?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 2853?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 2853 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.