Britt steers Laken Riley Act past final procedural hurdle

WASHINGTON — After clearing a procedural vote today, the Laken Riley Act is on its way to Senate approval.

Needing a minimum 3/5 votes to pass, the Senate voted 61-35 to invoke cloture on the bill ensuring the necessary support in the Senate for final passage.

“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 U.S. Sen. Katie Britt who reintroduced the bill. “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 (ICE) to detain illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses so they cannot reoffend and commit further crimes.

The 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.

Britt (R-Montgomery), the entire Republican conference and Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) reintroduced the bill which then was advanced on a 84-9 vote.

The Senate voted Monday on the motion to proceed to the Laken Riley Act, which passed overwhelmingly. This allowed the Senate to formally consider the bill.

After today’s cloture vote, the Senate is set to vote on the bill in the coming days and only needs a simple majority to pass. The legislation has 53 cosponsors.