WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Porch Pirates Act of 2022, a bipartisan bill to protect American consumers by closing loopholes to combat the rise in occurrences of porch package theft. The Porch Pirates Act would apply the same penalties to the theft of United States Postal Service mail to the theft of packages from commercial and private carriers such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.

Over the last few years, consumers who shop online have faced an increased rate of porch piracy, with studies showing as many as 210 million packages were stolen from Americans across the country last year. 

Problem Solvers Vice-Chair Congressman Dean Phillips (MN-3) and Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9) brought the Porch Pirates Act for endorsement, which garnered the support of more than 75 percent of the Caucus.

“Every day, people order deliveries online and they receive packages for essential goods, including critical life-saving medications. Now, criminals are taking advantage and stealing packages from houses of hard-working families. With this bipartisan legislation earning endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus, we’re taking action to combat theft that’s literally occurring at our doorsteps, and we’re working together to make our communities safer,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).

“As e-commerce grows, so does the theft of packages from our front doors,” Congressman Dean Phillips (MN-3) said. “That’s why it’s time to make porch piracy a federal crime and hold thieves accountable, whether a stolen package was delivered by the USPS or a private carrier.”

“It's theft and it needs a higher level of punishment," Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9) stated. "We're going to raise it to the same penalty that thieves who steal U.S. Postal Service items face. It sends a message that we’re getting tough on those who prey on customers waiting for their items they’ve paid for, including medication and gifts.”  

“Package theft has real impacts on our families and small businesses,” said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-1). “To combat the rise we’ve seen in porch piracy, thieves ought to be held to account equally. By instating the same federal penalties whether a package was delivered by a private carrier or the postal service, we can deter theft and help hold thieves accountable.”

“Everyone deserves to feel safe from theft at their home and no one should worry that a package they ordered will be stolen off their porch before they can retrieve it,” said Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-5). “I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation, supported by Republicans and Democrats, to increase penalties for people who steal packages. I will continue to work to make mid-Michigan communities safer.”

Read the full text of the Porch Pirates Act of 2022 here.

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