Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the Laken Riley Act during a press conference with Senate Republican leadership in Washington. The act, which focuses on border security and immigration enforcement, was a significant topic in November's election.

Thune stated, "Obviously, border security was a very, very big issue in November’s election, and what the American people said is that they clearly want a change in policies when it comes to the issue of securing our border and immigration."

He emphasized that the Laken Riley bill is aimed at addressing specific issues related to border security. "The Laken Riley bill is the beginning of that change, and it is a targeted bill that’s designed to deal with a specific issue with respect to the issue of border security and security in our communities," he explained.

Thune acknowledged Senators Katie Britt and Ted Budd for their leadership on this matter. He remarked on recent developments indicating potential bipartisan cooperation: "And frankly, the fact that we got a big vote on it yesterday to get on the bill, I think, is a signal that the Democrats perhaps want to play ball."

However, Thune clarified that this legislation is not intended as comprehensive immigration reform. "So this is an issue that isn’t going to become a comprehensive immigration bill. That's not what this is about," he noted.

The goal of the legislation is clear for Thune: "This is a targeted bill; it’s focused on a specific issue designed to prevent tragedies like what happened to Laken Riley and the incredible heartbreak that has caused her family never to happen again."

Thune concluded by expressing hope for collaboration with Democrats: "So right now, what we’re doing is trying to test whether or not the Democrats want to work with us on an amendment process." He added his objective of presenting something actionable for President Trump early in his new administration.