WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Tuesday introduced legislation aimed at cracking down on so-called “porch pirates” amid the busy holiday delivery season, as package theft continues to rise nationwide.
The Porch Pirates Act, introduced Dec. 23, 2025, is led by U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, along with a bipartisan coalition that includes Reps. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, Scott Peters of California, Beth Van Duyne of Texas, Jimmy Panetta of California, John Rutherford of Florida, Jared Moskowitz of Florida, Young Kim of California, Chris Pappas of New Hampshire and Claudia Tenney of New York.
Supporters of the bill say package theft has become a widespread problem, with an estimated 104 million packages stolen nationwide this year. Nearly half of all Americans have been victims of porch piracy, according to the sponsors, with losses totaling about $16 billion in the past year. In New Jersey alone, more than 190,000 residents reported having a package stolen during a three-month period last year.
The legislation would expand federal protections to cover all delivered packages, regardless of whether they are delivered by the U.S. Postal Service or a private carrier.
“There’s a literal Grinch that tears through neighborhoods, stealing away Christmas presents and essentials from grandparents and children alike — right off their own front porch,” Gottheimer said. “The bipartisan bill I’m introducing today will protect families under the same laws we already have for other types of mail, while streamlining the definition of porch piracy so there are no delays to families getting help. It shouldn’t matter who delivers your package. If you paid for it, you should receive it and get help when you don’t.”
Gottheimer added, “We can’t let the holidays be snatched away from us in broad daylight by a bunch of porch pirates. We will fight to ensure gifts stay right where they belong: with the families who work hard to buy them, with the loved ones they thought of when they paid for them, and within the homes celebrating their faith, love, and family together this holiday season. That is what our Jersey Values are about: protecting the people we cherish most.”
Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire said package theft is a growing concern as families rely more on home delivery during the holidays.
“Granite Staters are receiving deliveries for gifts for their friends and loved ones as we enter the height of the holiday gift-giving season, and package theft remains a significant concern,” Pappas said. “So far 104 million packages have been stolen this year, costing families and businesses billions of dollars. To combat the rise in porch piracy and deter theft, this bipartisan legislation will put in place the same federal penalties for package theft, whether a package was delivered by a private carrier or by the U.S. Postal Service. I’m urging Congress to take up and pass this common-sense legislation now.”
Rep. Beth Van Duyne of Texas said the measure would close a gap in current federal law.
“Porch pirates will steal nearly $2 billion worth of packages delivered to Texas households this year,” Van Duyne said. “The Porch Pirates Act closes a loophole in federal law and ensures criminals who steal packages delivered by private or commercial carriers are held accountable.”
Rep. Scott Peters of California said the legislation reflects growing frustration among consumers.
“As we enter the holiday season, San Diegans are looking forward to giving gifts to their families and friends. However, package theft remains a significant concern. People are tired of having their packages stolen,” Peters said. “That’s why I introduced the Porch Pirates Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill that will apply the same federal criminal penalties to packages delivered by a private carrier that currently apply to USPS-delivered packages.”
Rep. John Rutherford of Florida said the bill would strengthen enforcement efforts.
“Porch piracy is a proliferating crime that hurts everyone, including working-class families, seniors, and small businesses, right at their front door,” Rutherford said. “I am proud to join my Law Enforcement Caucus co-chair, Rep. Gottheimer, to lead this vital deterrence bill to give law enforcement officers the tools they need to hold offenders accountable and protect Americans who are simply trying to receive the goods they paid for.”
Rep. Jimmy Panetta of California said stronger penalties are needed as home delivery becomes more common.
“Stealing delivered packages from homes has become all too easy for thieves of all types,” Panetta said. “The Porch Pirates Act would help prevent crooks from committing these crimes by ratcheting up consequences for stealing packages dropped off at homes.”
Under the proposed legislation, stealing a package delivered by a private carrier such as UPS, FedEx or Amazon would become a federal crime, similar to theft of U.S. mail. The bill would establish federal penalties, including fines and prison sentences of up to three, five or 10 years depending on the circumstances, expand investigative authority for federal law enforcement agencies, and clarify that interstate commerce protections extend to packages delivered to a person’s front door.
