Shaheen Statement on Voting in Favor of the Bipartisan Laken Riley Act

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the bipartisan Laken Riley Act: 

“Laken Riley’s tragic murder should never have occurred, and while our thoughts continue to be with her loved ones, this bipartisan bill is an attempt to help prevent future tragedies. I had hoped for a fulsome amendment process that would have considered provisions to strengthen enforcement and public safety, including amendments related to the northern border that I helped introduce and support, and unfortunately that did not happen.

“I voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act because it’s critical we take action to keep dangerous people off the streets and crack down on criminal activity to prevent senseless tragedies. This bill is not a comprehensive effort, and let’s be very clear: there is more work to do to fix our broken immigration system. Now, the incoming administration and the Republican-led Congress must work with Democrats to reform our immigration system and ensure that local law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.” 

Last year, Shaheen twice voted in favor of the bipartisan border security agreement – which would have supplied the border with critical resources that are necessary to increase security, stop the flow of illicit drugs and better protect all Americans – negotiated by Senate Republicans and Democrats.  

###