Congressional Republicans are moving quickly to take steps to address illegal immigration, bringing up a bill this week that would require the detention of undocumented migrants charged with theft or burglary.
The legislation, named the Laken Riley Act after a nursing student who was murdered by an undocumented immigrant, would also grant power to attorneys general to sue the federal government if they can show their states are being harmed through failure to enforce national immigration policies.
The House, which passed the bill last Congress with bipartisan support, is expected to vote on the measure tomorrow, according to a senior House Republican aide.
The Senate is likely expected to take up the bill for the first time on Friday, a senior Senate Republican aide told POLITICO. The legislation would require 60 votes in the chamber, meaning it would need support from at least eight Democratic senators to pass.
Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), the lead sponsor of the Senate bill, in a statement to POLITICO criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for not bringing up the legislation last Congress.
“In stark contrast, Senate Republicans are prioritizing protecting American families from day one of the 119th Congress. We’re ready to make America safe again, and we’re ready for President Trump’s second term,” Britt added.
