Laken Riley Act clears cloture procedural hurdle: should pass Senate in coming days

January 17, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt's (R-Alabama) S.5, the Laken Riley Act, 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 (ICE) 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.

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, January 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, January 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.

Senators Britt and Tuberville have been vocal proponents of passing the Laken Riley Act and securing the southern border.

"The Senate just cleared the final 60-vote hurdle on the Laken Riley Act," Sen. Britt said on her X social media account. "We're on track to get this on President Trump's desk to sign. I'll keep fighting every day until it's over the finish line."

"No family should have to go through what the Riley family has endured over the last year," said Sen. Tuberville. "Because of Joe Biden's open borders, Laken's life was brutally ended by a criminal illegal alien. Joe Biden owes her family an apology for failing to do his basic job and secure the border. The American people delivered a message on November 5: they demand a President who will defend the Constitution and protect Americans from all enemies, both foreign and domestic. Now that Republicans control Congress and the White House, we must start delivering on our promises to ensure this never happens again. Legislation like the Laken Riley Act will help President Trump restore law and order and secure the border."

Laken Riley was a Georgia nursing student who was brutally murdered by a criminal illegal alien with a long record of criminal activities.

"Last year, Laken Riley was stolen from this earth-from her family and friends and from achieving her dreams-by a brutal, heartless killer. Make no mistake-he never should have been in the United States, much less allowed to freely roam American streets after being charged with multiple crimes. Laken's murder was the direct consequence of willful open border policies," said Sen. Britt. "The American people did not just deliver a mandate on November 5th, they delivered a verdict. They made it clear they want to remove criminal illegal aliens and protect American families. We will soon know whether Democrats hear, respect, and obey that verdict. Congress has an obligation to Laken, her family, and to families in every corner of our country to do everything in our power to help prevent this type of tragedy from occurring again. That's why it's imperative we pass the commonsense Laken Riley Act with all due haste. No other American family needs to feel the pain Laken's family still feels 320 days after losing her."