U.S. Senator Katie Britt Praises Vote to Advance Bipartisan Laken Riley Act, Urges Continued Senate Support for Final Passage
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today praised the Senate’s bipartisan 84-9 vote to advance the Laken Riley Act on the eve of what should have been Laken Riley’s 23rd birthday.
“Today’s vote on the Laken Riley Act is an important step forward in making our country safer, but there’s still more work to be done to get this commonsense legislation across the finish line,” said Senator Britt.“Laken’s horrific murder should never have happened. While we cannot bring Laken back, Congress can and must pass the Laken Riley Act to save American lives and prevent this tragedy from repeating itself. Congress has an obligation to Laken, her family, and to Americans in every corner of our country to get this bill passed and signed into law.”
This legislation was originally introduced in the House ofRepresentatives by Congressman Mike Collins (R-Ga.) and passed the House of Representatives this week by a bipartisan vote of 264 to 159, with 48 Democrats voting in favor.
Senator Britt, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, recently reintroduced the Senate version of the Laken Riley Act in the 119th Congress. She was joined by Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.Dak.), Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and the entire Senate Republican Conference in introducing the bill. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is also a cosponsor.
Ahead of the vote, Senator Britt delivered remarks on the Senate floor, urging her colleagues to advance the legislation and prioritize securing the border and the safety of American families.
Senator Britt began her remarks in part by reading a statement from Allyson and John Phillips, Laken’s mother and stepfather:
“It’s impossible to fully describe what was taken from Laken and from our family on February 22, 2024. Laken’s life was abundantly and exceptionally full of promise. She was a beautiful, shining beacon in the life of everyone who knew her. Not only did the people who knew and loved [Laken] lose a beautiful soul, but so did our world. Laken shared her love for Jesus with everyone she encountered. Laken’s passion for sharing her faith through acts of kindness were felt by everyone she met. Laken was selfless, hardworking, and made those around her feel special. Laken did not just talk about her faith, she led by example.”
Senator Britt continued:
“There was no reason — no reason at all — that she should no longer be with us. Her killer, who came to this country illegally, should never have been in the United States. And once he had been arrested for multiple crimes before committing the most heinous, unimaginable crime, he should have been detained by ICE immediately. Had that been the case, Laken’s family and Laken herself would face a very different reality. They’d be celebrating a birthday, not approaching the one-year anniversary of her murder.
“The Laken Riley Act will help prevent other families from experiencing this unimaginable heartache. . . As it is already the case under current law for various types of criminal activities, our bill would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain illegal aliens who commit theft related offenses, and would mandate that these illegal aliens are detained until their removal from the United States before they get the opportunity to commit further, graver crimes.
“I want to be very clear. Only individuals that would be subject to this bill are criminal illegal aliens. These individuals crossed our border illegally, and then they committed a crime after getting here. That’s who we’re talking about. Our bill would also ensure that states have standing to bring civil action against federal officials who refuse to enforce mandatory detention and enforcement provisions of our current immigration laws as well as statutory limitations on grants of immigration parole, or officials who violate those laws.
“The House . . . has lapped us in the Senate by passing this twice, under the leadership of Representative Collins. Unfortunately, when we tried to move it here, Democrats repeatedly blocked our attempt. Senate Democrats actually didn’t even give this a committee hearing or a markup. Let’s learn from those mistakes. To my Democratic colleagues, I implore you to see reason, to see Laken’s face, and to think about the potential consequences if you choose to block this again.
“To my colleagues, please listen to Allyson and John. Understand their pain, hear their pleas for action. They need us to pass the Laken Riley Act. Every American family needs us to pass the Laken Riley Act, and they deserve it. Today, on the eve of what should have been Laken Riley’s 23rd Birthday, let’s honor her legacy and advance a bipartisan bill that will help us save American lives.”
Senator Britt’s full remarks can be viewed here.
Background:
Since taking office, Senator Britt has been a champion for securing America’s southern border and enforcing immigration law across our nation’s interior. Last Congress, she and Senator Budd introduced the Senate companion to the Laken Riley Act, after its introduction in the House byRep. Collins. In the 118th Congress, the legislation passed the House in an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 251-170, and in the 119th Congress, the bill passed the House in a bipartisan vote of 264-159. Senate Democrats, however, refused to give the bill a committee hearing or floor consideration last Congress. On multiple occasions, Senate Democrats blocked the measure from passing by unanimous consent.
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