Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard) asked Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) if he found it ironic that the House chastises private businesses over thievery when lawmakers are the No. 1 entity stealing the most from taxpayers.
The question came up after Evans introduced HR838, which calls for delivery services such as UPS, FedEx, Amazon and the U.S. Postal Service to better track the delivery of packages, during House floor debate May 10.
“If you think that this is chastising, I am truly sorry, but that is not the intention,” Evans said.
Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard)
| Photo courtesy State Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard)
Whether you live on Michigan Avenue in Chicago or on Main Street in towns throughout the state, online shopping is turning front porches into retail stores, according to Evans.
“We are asking them (delivery companies) to work on strategies in neighborhoods where packages are being stolen," Evans said.
Breen asked Evans if he detected the delivery services wanted the packages to be stolen, leaving Evans seemingly annoyed with the question.
“I am sorry, but if we are going to start voting on every resolution, then I want to make sure that we get all of the information,” Breen said.
Evans said packages are being stolen in communities from Waukegan to Metropolis and something must be done.
“This is about understanding as we increase online shopping that we have to stay on top of these criminals as far as delivering these packages,” Evans said.
Breen said there is absolutely no reason why any delivery service would want its packages stolen.
“When a package is stolen from FedEx, UPS or the Postal Service, they are hurt just as much as the consumer is,” Breen said. “What are you asking them to look at?”
Evans said it is just about being proactive, but if Breen wanted to make it more than that he could.
He did.
“This House has stolen more money and property from the people of Illinois than thieves will ever steal from front porches, so it’s hypocritical for us to tell some of the biggest and most successful businesses in the country their business,” Breen said.
HR838 was adopted and moved to the Senate.
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