Local law enforcement agencies would be permitted to use federal resources to combat identity theft under bipartisan legislation offered on Sept. 26 by U.S. Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Don Bacon (R-NE).
“Right now, grant funding helps with online harassment and digital abuse, but leaves out identity theft,” Rep. Ciscomani said. “This bill makes sure those same resources can be used to protect people from having their identity stolen, keeping our families and communities safe from this growing threat.”
The congressman joined four other original cosponsors, including Reps. Fitzpatrick and Bacon, along with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), to introduce the Protect Your PIN Act, H.R. 5594, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.
“Protecting Americans’ financial security is not just an economic priority, it’s a matter of national security,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing threats facing our families, draining paychecks, wiping out savings, and crippling small businesses.
“From my years in the FBI, I know this is a national-scale crime, yet we expect local police to confront it without the resources or reach to match its scope,” he added. “The Protect Your PIN Act fixes that, delivering the federal tools our officers need to pursue criminals, protect victims, and defend the financial well-being Americans work a lifetime to build.”
“Identity theft continues to be one of the most pervasive and devastating crimes affecting American families,” agreed Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to co-lead the bipartisan Protect Your PIN Act to strengthen our nation’s defense against these crimes. The legislation empowers local law enforcement agencies with critical federal resources to better protect Americans from cybercrime and identity theft.”
H.R. 5594 has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the Major Cities Chiefs Association.