SW Georgia News

Representative Mike Collins and Senators Katie Britt and Ted Budd have introduced the Senate companion to H.R. 7511, known as the Laken Riley Act. The legislation is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who was tragically murdered by an illegal alien. Collins expressed gratitude to Senator Britt for spearheading the bill in the Senate, emphasizing the importance of preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Senator Britt underscored the impact of open border policies on such incidents, stating, "Make no mistake – Laken Riley’s heartbreaking murder was a direct, preventable consequence of willful open border policies by President Biden and his administration." She called for the immediate consideration of the bill in the Senate and praised the bipartisan support received in the House of Representatives.

Senator Budd echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for states to protect their citizens from what he described as "lawless, open border policies." He highlighted the importance of preventing senseless tragedies like the one that befell Laken Riley, stating, "What happened to Laken Riley should never happen to any American citizen."

The Laken Riley Act addresses key issues related to immigration policies, including condemning President Biden's border policies, amending federal law to require ICE to detain illegal aliens who commit theft-related crimes, and allowing state Attorneys General to seek relief in federal court for immigration-related policy failures.

H.R. 7511, the House version of the bill, passed with bipartisan support, and now the focus shifts to the Senate for further consideration. The introduction of the Senate companion bill marks a significant step towards addressing the shortcomings in current immigration policies and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.