Jan 7, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Scoop: Schumer's private signals on Laken Riley Act

Stephen Neukam

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks during a January 6th Insurrection commemoration press conference at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2025 in Washington, DC. — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks during a Jan. 6 insurrection commemoration press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Monday in Washington, D.C. Photo: Jon Cherry/Getty Images

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) privately opened the door on Tuesday to Senate Democrats negotiating amendments after the House passed the Laken Riley Act.

Why it matters: Senate Republican leaders will need the support of at least eight Senate Democrats to ultimately pass the bill.

It would require the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with some nonviolent crimes. The bill picked up nine more House Democratic votes (48) Tuesday than it got last March.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is already a co-sponsor, he announced Tuesday.
Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), who is up for reelection next year, will support the bill, Axios reported Tuesday.

Driving the news: Schumer told members on Tuesday the caucus may engage with Republicans, but they need to have more discussions, according to sources familiar with the meeting.

Democrats will need to back a procedural vote at the end of this week in order to negotiate amendments. There is a desire among many Senate Democrats to do so, according to sources.

Zoom out: Senate Democrats have another caucus meeting scheduled for Thursday, which is when the discussion will likely continue.

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Scoop: Schumer's private signals on Laken Riley Act

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