Hearing

Participant List:

• The Honorable Rodney Davis, United States Chamber of Commerce
• Ian Jeffries, President, Association of American Railroads
• Eddie Strom, President Local 28, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
• Bob Costello, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for International Trade and Security, American Trucking Association
• Anne Reinke, President and Chief Executive Officer, Intermodal Association of North America
• David Johnston, Vice President of Asset Protection & Retail Operations, National Retail Federation
• Scott Cornell, National Practice Leader, Transportation Travelers Inland Marine Crime and Theft Specialist Office, Traveler's Insurance

I would like to thank my colleague, Ranking Member Titus, for organizing this bipartisan roundtable discussion. And, I also want to thank our industry representatives for their attendance and input as well.

Cargo theft has long been a problem, but it is one that is now reaching epidemic proportions. Thefts from railroads alone increased 40 percent over the previous year. These thefts imposed $35 billion in costs on the economy and supply chains.

Thieves target these supply chains in part because they are lucrative. They also do so because the risk of arrest and prosecution is low. 

Much of our nation’s cargo crosses state lines. Thefts are occurring all along this supply chain. That makes coordinating both prevention and prosecution difficult.

Worse, how thieves are obtaining cargo, including by cutting brake lines and sabotaging signals, creates significant hazards for train crews and the public.

What is clear is that the federal government needs to better partner with the states and supply chain stakeholders to develop more effective responses. I look forward to learning the advice of industry participants. Again, thank you all for attending.