PATRIOT ACT WILL NOW INCREASE PENALTIES FOR CARGO THEFT AND REQUIRE REPORTING OF CARGO THEFT

 "I am grateful for the support of my colleagues in adopting the provisions of my cargo theft legislation," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "This will enhance our domestic security by cracking down on this growing criminal problem."

During consideration today of H.R. 3199, the USA Patriot and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act, the bill was changed with an amendment including the provisions of Stearns' H.R. 785, the Cargo Theft Prevention Act. "These provisions increase the criminal penalties for cargo theft and create an all-inclusive database regarding cargo theft to allow state and local law enforcement to coordinate reports of cargo theft. In addition, cargo theft will be reflected as a separate category in the Uniform Crime Reporting System used by the FBI, enabling the valuable tracking and monitoring of trends in this crime. "

Explained Stearns, "Cargo theft is a problem that has plagued our country for some 30 years, but continues unabated today. It is a problem that affects our entire country, costs tens of billions of dollars each year, and demands a Federal response. Also, there is no doubt that stopping cargo theft and smuggling is a national security issue." Stearns has been working for nearly two years to address the crime of cargo theft, which is especially serious in Florida due to its ports in Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami. In part, Stearns was alerted to the seriousness of this crime through a series of articles in the Ocala Star-Banner. The House is expected to approve H.R. 3199 later tonight.