Senate Breaks Filibuster 61-35 on Laken Riley Act; Final Vote Set for Inauguration Day

Jan 17, 2025, 03:57 PM

The U.S. Senate has voted 61-35 to break a filibuster on the bipartisan Laken Riley Act, advancing the legislation toward a final vote expected on Inauguration Day, Monday at 5:30 pm ET. The Act, led by Senator Katie Britt, aims to strengthen measures against criminal illegal immigrants and enhance public safety. Ten Democratic senators joined Republicans to invoke cloture, including Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), Ruben Gallego (AZ), Maggie Hassan (NH), Mark Kelly (AZ), Jon Ossoff (GA), Gary Peters (MI), Jacky Rosen (NV), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Elissa Slotkin (MI), and Mark Warner (VA). As the first bill of the 119th Congress, its passage would give President-elect Donald Trump an early victory on a top second-term priority. Since the Senate altered the bill, it will need to return to the House for alignment before it can be sent to the President's desk. The Act honors the legacy of Laken Riley by aiming to make America safer.