U.S. Senator Katie Britt’s, R-Ala., S.5, the Laken Riley Act, Friday cleared a final procedural vote, effectively securing the necessary support in the U.S. Senate for final passage. Following the Senate invoking cloture in a 61-35 vote, the legislation is on its way to Senate passage in the coming days.
“This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will save lives, and it will help prevent another American family from feeling the pain Laken Riley’s loved ones feel every day,” said Senator Britt. “I appreciate my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who came together to protect our communities. With today’s strong vote, we are in the final sprint to getting the Laken Riley Act across the finish line, honoring her legacy and making America safer.”
The Laken Riley Act would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses so they cannot reoffend and commit further crimes. This legislation would also ensure states have standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration law or who violate the law.
Background: Senator Britt, with the entire Republican conference and Senators John Fetterman, D-Pa., and Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., reintroduced the Laken Riley Act in the 119th Congress. Following reintroduction, the Senate advanced the legislation on an initial bipartisan vote of 84-9. This allowed the Senate the opportunity to proceed to the legislation.
On Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, the Senate voted on the motion to proceed to the Laken Riley Act, which passed overwhelmingly. This allowed the Senate to formally consider the bill.
On Friday, Jan. 17, the Senate held a vote to invoke cloture on the Laken Riley Act. This required a minimum of 3/5 votes to pass. Cloture was invoked by a vote of 61-35, which ensures the bill can proceed to passage. The final Senate vote on the Laken Riley Act will be held in the coming days. This will only require a simple majority to pass. The legislation has 53 cosponsors.
