Rep. Mike Garcia (CA-27) and his colleague, Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for a discussion on bipartisan solutions to organized retail crime.

Crime rates have continued to rise both in California and across the country, and this issue has become an immediate issue of safety in our communities that must be met with bipartisan, common-sense solutions. 

You can find highlights of the interview below, and you can watch the full discussion here.

On Securing Our Communities and Supporting Our Police

"I emphasized my unwavering commitment to supporting the police and keeping our communities safe," said Rep. Garcia. "If you break laws, you should be held accountable. We need to defend, not defund, our police. This isn't a partisan issue; it's about ensuring security in our neighborhoods."

“Our officers are out there every day, facing rising crime rates and the fallout from bad policies. They need our full support and the right resources…We need a comprehensive approach that includes strong policing, community involvement, and preventive measures to make a real impact.”

On Holding Criminals Accountable 

"Crime in California is skyrocketing due to flawed policies like Prop 47 and Prop 57," said Rep. Garcia. "These policies turn serious crimes into slaps on the wrist, creating a low-risk, high-reward environment for criminals. Combined with the leniency of our district attorney and the shortage of police officers, it makes maintaining order much harder.”

"The solution is simple and nonpartisan: repeal these disastrous policies and hold criminals accountable to improve safety and security for all. I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enhance safety for all our communities."