FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13^th, 2013 

Paulsen Bill to Thwart Metal Theft Moves Forward in U.S. Senate

Sets up full Senate vote to protect against the rising threat of metal thefts

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03)’s bipartisan legislation to crack down on the growing problem of metal theft passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Metal Theft Prevention Act was introduced in February and will create a new federal law against stealing metal from critical infrastructure. It will also make it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen metal. Senator Amy Klobuchar is the lead sponsor of the Senate bill and Rep. Paulsen introduced bipartisan companion legislation in the House in February.

“Losses from metal theft cost the U.S. economy more than $1 billion a year,” said Rep. Paulsen. “Sen. Klobuchar and I have both heard from Minnesota’s law enforcement community about the importance of addressing metal theft, and we will continue to work together to protect America’s critical infrastructure, businesses, homes, and churches.” 

Metal theft has jumped more than 80% in recent years, as thieves steal high-priced metal from infrastructure as well as businesses, homes, churches and even Minnesota veterans’ graves – causing families pain and threatening public safety. Read the legislation HERE.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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