[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 21, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SENDING A CLEAR MESSAGE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bost). The Chair recognizes the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a 
vital piece of legislation, the Laken Riley Act.
  On February 22, 2024, Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Augusta University 
nursing student was murdered by an illegal Venezuelan migrant while she 
was jogging in Athens, Georgia.
  Prior to the attack on Laken, her killer illegally entered the United 
States and was apprehended and released at the border. The perpetrator 
was also previously arrested by both Federal and State officials in 
multiple jurisdictions, and each time released due to certain States' 
soft-on-crime policies and the failures of the Biden-Harris 
administration to protect our southern border.
  The Laken Riley Act is straightforward in its purpose, safeguarding 
the safety and security of our neighborhoods from the threat posed by 
criminal, illegal aliens who disregard our laws and endanger our 
citizens. It sends a clear message that we will no longer tolerate 
leniency when it comes to those who commit theft, burglary, larceny, 
shoplifting, or other serious crimes.
  This bill also empowers States to hold future administrations 
accountable. For too long, radical far-left policies weakened 
immigration enforcement and prioritized open borders over the safety of 
American families.
  By providing States with legal standing to challenge Federal 
officials who fail to enforce immigration laws, we ensure that no 
administration, present or future, can turn a blind eye to the dangers 
posed by criminal, illegal aliens.
  Recently, January 10 would have been Laken Riley's 23rd birthday. 
This legislation isn't just another bill. It is a promise to address 
the real challenges and commitment to creating a safer, more equitable 
future for all. This is our chance to honor Laken Riley's legacy by 
building something lasting and meaningful.
  It is a chance to prove that we can rise above partisanship and come 
together to solve real problems for real people. This will protect the 
fundamental rights and freedoms of every American, restore trust in our 
immigration system, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that every 
community in this country is safe and secure. It is time to put the 
safety and security of the American people first.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for this vital legislation 
and to return it to the Senate.

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