RILA Members Testify for CORCA to Combat Criminal Networks

By [ Sarah Gilmore ]
Washington, DC
12/16/2025

In the midst of the holiday hustle—retailers' busiest time of the year—RILA members are urging Congress to take swift action to protect stores and shoppers from organized crime.

Tomorrow, two Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) members are testifying at the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance's hearing on the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) (H.R. 2853). Witnesses from American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and Target Corporation will urge lawmakers to pass CORCA to ensure the U.S. federal government has the resources and efficiencies necessary to disrupt the criminal enterprises targeting U.S. retailers, workforces, and communities.

“Retailers cannot dismantle interstate and transnational theft- and fraud-driven networks on our own,” said Shane Bennett, Principle, Cyber Defense – Theft, Fraud & Abuse, Target Corporation. “CORCA brings the federal partnership needed to protect consumers, strengthen supply chains, and disrupt sophisticated criminal enterprises operating across borders. Target, along with the entire retail community, strongly supports CORCA and urges Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation quickly.”

As organized crime rings increasingly threaten supply chains through cargo theft, exploit financial systems via gift card fraud, and perpetrate complex organized retail crime (ORC) schemes that endanger retail employees, compromise customer safety, and fund other illicit activities, CORCA stands as a critical step toward empowering stakeholders to respond effectively.

“To truly disrupt the operations of organized crime rings that are engaged in cargo theft, gift card fraud, and other forms of ORC, we must enhance collaboration and streamline efficiencies across public and private sectors,” said Sarah Gilmore, RILA senior director, government affairs. “CORCA provides the tools necessary for coordinated action, ensuring that law enforcement and industry partners can stay one step ahead of these evolving threats.”

If enacted, CORCA will facilitate information sharing, strengthen investigative resources, and foster new partnerships across federal, state, and local agencies. The retail community stands ready to work alongside policymakers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to advance this essential legislation and protect businesses, workers and consumers from the growing threat of organized retail crime.

“In addition to tomorrow’s hearing, we urge the full House Judiciary Committee to promptly markup CORCA and advance the bill. Swift action on this legislation is crucial to protecting retailers and communities,” said Gilmore. "We commend the Committee for prioritizing CORCA and encourage expeditious movement to ensure these critical protections become law.”

CORCA is sponsored by Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Susie Lee (D-NV), David Valadao (R-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Laurel Lee (R-FL), and Lou Correa (D-CA). The bill has strong bipartisan support with a total of 188 House co-sponsors.

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Media Contact: press@rila.org

RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $2.7 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and hundreds of thousands of stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad