WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 -- Sen. Ruben Gallego issued the following press release:
Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the Safe Access to Cash Act. The bill ensures that robberies involving off-site automatic teller machines (ATMs) receive federal penalties, equal to those imposed for on-site robberies of financial institutions. The Federal Bank Robbery Act of 1934 currently only protects banks and financial institutions, not standalone ATMs in malls, convenience stores, and public locations.
"ATMs at gas stations and corner stores provide critical access to cash for Americans, but with increasing robbery rates, many small businesses can't afford the risk of keeping an ATM. No one should have to fear for their safety ...