Senator JD Vance co-supports legislation to reduce catalytic converter theft

Dayton, Ohio (WDTN) — Ohio Senator JD Vance is co-sponsoring his first bill aimed at solving an ongoing problem for drivers in the area.

The Automobile Recycling Anti-Theft Act (PART) regulates the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles.

The bill would ensure that new car parts are fitted with traceable identification numbers, and would also criminalize theft of catalytic converters.

Vance said he chose it as the first bill because of ongoing problems in Ohio.

“This is a big problem in Dayton and throughout Ohio,” Vance said. “The minerals contained in catalytic converters are so valuable that some people steal catalytic converters and get rich.”

Vance sponsored the bill along with Amy Klobuchar (Democrat-Minnesota), Mike Brown (Republican-Indiana), and Ron Wyden (Democrat-Oasis).

Additionally, Vance announced on Tuesday that he would endorse Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary.