Blue Dog Coalition Endorses Rep. Sherrill’s Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Auto Thefts

Washington, DC– The Blue Dog Coalition, a group of pragmatic, moderate Democrats in the House of Representatives, today endorsed Rep. Sherrill’s bipartisan Auto Theft Prevention Act. This legislation will provide federal funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to help them successfully crack down on car thefts and keep our communities safe.

“Car thefts are a significant and growing threat to public safety as well as our sense of security across NJ-11 and the nation as a whole. I introduced this bipartisan legislation after speaking to police chiefs, constituents across New Jersey, and Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. I am honored for the Blue Dog endorsement,” said Rep. Sherrill. “The Blue Dogs understand the critical importance of providing our law enforcement officers with the resources they need to keep our communities safe, and I am confident that this legislation will do exactly that. As a former federal prosecutor, I will keep working hard to bring community leaders and law enforcement together to improve security in our neighborhoods.”

Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Don Bacon (NE-2) introduced the Auto Theft Prevention Act in October 2022. Funding through the legislation can be used by law enforcement agencies to hire additional officers, pay overtime compensation, purchase specialized equipment such as automated license plate readers, and participate in auto theft task forces. Almost 500,000 vehicles, worth an estimated $4.5 billion, were stolen nationally in the first half of 2022, representing a 25 percent increase in thefts compared to the first half of 2019 before the pandemic.

The legislation has also been endorsed by the National Troopers Coalition, International Union of Police Associations, New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association, and New Jersey Association of Counties. Cosponsors of the bill include Reps. Salud Carbajal, Angie Craig, Josh Gottheimer, Andy Kim, Young Kim, Mike Thompson, and David Trone.

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