Sen. Lindsey Graham, along with fellow Republican senators Katie Britt and Tim Scott, introduced the Laken Riley Act in the United States Senate on Thursday.
The bill, named after a 22-year-old nursing student who tragically lost her life on the University of Georgia Campus, aims to enforce stricter measures. Under this proposed legislation, the Department of Homeland Security would be required to detain individuals living in the U.S. illegally if they have been charged with crimes related to theft.
Graham, who introduced the bill on Thursday, is urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D, N.Y.) to bring it to a vote.
According to Graham, the murder of Ms. Riley is most likely a consequence of the open border policy implemented by the Biden Administration. He urges Senator Schumer to promptly bring the Laken Riley Act to the Senate floor for a vote.
After the bill was passed by the United States House in a 251-170 vote on March 7, Graham has called for a vote.
When the bill was passed, it garnered support from some Democrats. Nonetheless, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D, Ga.) characterized it as nothing more than “smoke and mirrors.”
Bipartisan support will be necessary as Republicans do not have a majority in the Senate.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson voiced his criticism of President Joe Biden and his administration’s involvement in Riley’s death. He took to social media to share a letter signed by himself and 25 other state attorneys general, urging the president to sign the bill if it gets approved.
“Laken Riley’s life should not have been cut short,” Wilson expressed passionately on X. “We are spearheading a movement with 26 states to urge the US Senate to expedite the passing of the Laken Riley Act.”
The letter asserts that President Biden’s disregard for the rule of law and abandonment of successful policies have resulted in an unprecedented border crisis. As attorneys general, we are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of our states when the federal government fails to take action or exacerbates the issue of illegal immigration. Therefore, we commend the inclusion of enforcement provisions for State Attorneys General in the bill.
“We strongly support the Laken Riley Act as a powerful legislation that can effectively combat illegal immigration and safeguard the well-being of Americans. We urge you to expedite the advancement of this bill for a vote without delay. It is crucial to remember that Laken Riley’s tragic fate could have been prevented. Let us honor her memory by using it as a catalyst to protect others before it becomes too late.”
Graham urged Schumer to hold a vote on the bill, but the Senate’s plan for its passage remains uncertain.
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