The House voted Tuesday at 1 p.m. to approve the Laken Riley Act as its first legislative action in the 119th Congress, passing the bill 264 to 159. Forty-eight Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the measure.
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Response
Following the vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned Democratic opposition.
“Laken Riley was tragically killed by an illegal immigrant who entered the country due to President Biden and the Democrats’ open-border policies,” Johnson stated. “It’s astonishing that, despite countless tragedies like Laken’s, any House Democrats would oppose deporting violent criminals who enter illegally.”
He criticized the 159 Democrats who voted against the bill, arguing that they ignored voters’ demand for secure borders, the removal of violent illegal immigrants, and policies prioritizing public safety.
Georgia Rep. Mike Collins Leads the Bill’s Reintroduction
The Laken Riley Act, reintroduced by Georgia Rep. Mike Collins (R), attributes Riley’s death to the Biden administration’s border policies. It grants state attorneys general the power to sue the federal government if they can prove their states suffered harm from immigration law failures. Additionally, it allows states to take legal action against the Department of Homeland Security for damages linked to illegal immigration.
Honoring Laken Riley
The bill honors Laken Riley, a nursing student murdered while jogging on the University of Georgia campus. Jose Ibarra, an illegal immigrant, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for her killing.
Before the vote, Johnson criticized President Biden’s response to Riley’s murder.
“Biden’s only reaction was apologizing for calling her murderer an illegal immigrant,” Johnson said. “That’s unacceptable. Laken was the real victim. Policy decisions have real consequences, and in this case, those consequences were fatal.”
Bipartisan Support and Next Steps in the Senate
The House initially passed the Laken Riley Act in March with a 251-170 vote, gaining 37 Democratic votes. The bill’s latest passage saw increased bipartisan support.
“House Republicans heard the demand for change and passed the Laken Riley Act,” Johnson said Tuesday. “We are committed to protecting Americans. Today’s victory is the first step in reversing years of failed Democratic leadership.”
The bill now moves to the Senate, where Majority Leader John Thune has scheduled a procedural vote as early as this week. It will be one of the new Senate’s first legislative priorities.
About The Author
