The House of Representatives passes the Laken Riley Act as the first legislation of the 119th Congress, marking a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation.
At a Glance
- The Laken Riley Act passed with a vote of 264 to 159, including support from 48 Democrats
- Named after a 22-year-old nursing student murdered by an illegal immigrant
- Allows states to sue the federal government for harm caused by illegal immigration
- Requires detention of illegal aliens guilty of certain crimes
- Faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to advance
A Bipartisan Triumph in the House
In a significant display of bipartisan cooperation, the House of Representatives has passed the Laken Riley Act as the first piece of legislation in the 119th Congress. The bill, which aims to strengthen border security and address illegal immigration, garnered support from both sides of the aisle, with all Republicans and 48 Democrats voting in favor. This rare moment of unity signals a potential shift in the legislative landscape, setting a precedent for future collaborative efforts.
The Laken Riley Act, introduced by Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) last year, is named after a 22-year-old nursing student who was tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant. The legislation criticizes the Biden administration’s border policies and introduces measures to enhance immigration enforcement. It mandates the detention of illegal aliens charged with or convicted of certain crimes, including burglary, theft, larceny, and shoplifting.
Just passed our first legislative bill of the 119th Congress, the Laken Riley Act. I was glad to see bipartisan support for a bill that requires DHS detain illegal immigrants arrested for crimes they've committed, ensuring these criminals are off our streets. Now to the Senate! pic.twitter.com/T0tz4XAEN5
— Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (@RepJenKiggans) January 7, 2025
Empowering States and Holding Federal Government Accountable
A key provision of the Laken Riley Act allows state attorneys general to sue the federal government for harm caused by the failure to implement immigration policies effectively. This includes financial harm exceeding $100. The legislation aims to address concerns about the impact of illegal immigration on states and communities, providing a legal avenue for seeking injunctive relief.
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of the legislation, criticizing the Biden administration’s response to Laken Riley’s death and highlighting the real-world consequences of immigration policies. The bipartisan support for the bill reflects growing concerns among voters about border security and the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
Challenges Ahead in the Senate
While the Laken Riley Act has successfully passed the House, it faces a more challenging path in the Senate. The bill requires 60 votes to advance, and currently, only one Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman, is co-sponsoring it. The Senate, under previous Democratic leadership, did not consider the act as a standalone bill, raising questions about its future prospects.
As the Senate prepares to vote on the bill this week, all eyes will be on the upper chamber to see if the bipartisan spirit that characterized the House vote will carry over. The Laken Riley Act’s journey through Congress serves as a test case for the potential of cross-party cooperation on contentious issues like immigration and border security.
Sources:
House passes Laken Riley Act to amp up border enforcement and put pressure on Democrats
House passes Laken Riley Act as 1st bill of new GOP-controlled Congress
Laken Riley Act Approved In House By All Republicans And 48 Democrats
