RELEASED: January 13, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) took a firm stance at a press conference last week, voicing his support for the reintroduction of the Laken Riley Act. This critical piece of legislation was reintroduced this week by Lankford and Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), alongside the entire Senate Republican Conference, reflecting a united effort to address border security concerns.
During his remarks, Lankford highlighted the devastating impact of the tragedy that inspired the bill’s name and underscored the need for decisive action.
Excerpt from Lankford’s Speech:
“The murder of Laken Riley shouldn’t have happened in the first place. And we don’t want any president in the future—ever—to just turn their head, as the current President has done on the border, and say, ‘That doesn’t matter.’ Because to Laken Riley and her family, this most certainly matters. So this is a first small step to get control of our border and make a clear statement. There are many more steps to go. And clearly, President Trump is going to enforce the law. He’s made that very, very clear. But for Laken Riley’s family, we hope this brings them some sense of purpose following the senseless murder of their daughter.”
The Laken Riley Act aims to address ongoing border security challenges by implementing stricter enforcement measures to prevent tragedies like the one that claimed the life of Laken Riley. Senator Lankford’s message emphasized the importance of leadership and accountability, advocating for policies that prioritize the safety and security of American communities.
The reintroduction of the bill reflects broader concerns within the Senate Republican Conference about border management and the enforcement of existing immigration laws. By shining a spotlight on this issue, Lankford and his colleagues hope to honor the memory of Laken Riley and support her grieving family by pursuing legislative solutions that prevent future tragedies.
As discussions around border security continue, the Laken Riley Act represents a renewed effort to bolster protections and ensure that preventable losses do not occur again. Lankford’s impassioned support for the legislation underscores his commitment to achieving meaningful reform that addresses the safety of all Americans.