Democratic Montana Sen. Jon Tester appears to be changing his tune on supporting the Republican-led Laken Riley Act, named after the 22-year-old nursing student who was allegedly murdered by an illegal alien in February on the University of Georgia’s campus.
Tester voted with Democrats on March 23 in blocking GOP Sen. Ted Budd’s amendment he described as being a “modified version” of the Laken Riley Act to the second government funding package. The senator is now co-sponsoring the bill, according to a press release on Thursday, which would require federal officials to detain illegal aliens who commit “burglary, theft, larceny, or [a] shoplifting offense.”
“Keeping Montana safe is my top priority, which is why I’ve repeatedly called on the Biden Administration and Congress to do more to secure the southern border and have worked to get the brave men and women in law enforcement what they need to keep criminals off our streets,” Tester said in a statement.
“After hearing from law enforcement officers across Montana, I’m backing the Laken Riley Act to make sure that individuals who enter our country and commit a crime are held accountable so that no Montana family has to worry about the safety of their loved ones,” Tester added. (RELATED: Dem Senator Launches Ad Pitching Himself As Tough On Border — Despite Repeatedly Voting Down Security Measures)
A spokesperson for Tester told the Belgrade News on March 29 that he would support the Laken Riley Act as a standalone bill.
Supporters of Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump, including one holding a sign reading “Say Her Name Laken Riley”, gather outside a campaign stop by U.S. President Joe Biden in Goffstown, New Hampshire, U.S., March 11, 2024. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)
The Laken Riley Act was introduced by Republican Georgia Rep. Mike Collins who represents the district where the student was killed. The legislation passed the House on March 7, but has yet to face a floor vote in the Senate.
Tester has attempted to paint himself as a Democrat who is tough on border security and illegal immigration while running for reelection in a state former President Donald Trump won by double digits both cycles. The senator launched a TV ad in early April arguing he “worked with Republicans, fighting to shut down the border,” but some of his voting record shows otherwise.
Republican Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee have dubbed the senator “two-faced Tester” in regard to his changing stances on illegal immigration.
A J.L. Partners survey conducted in late March found Sheehy leading Tester by three points in a head-to-head matchup, with 7% of likely voters remaining undecided. The race is characterized by The Cook Political Report as in the “Toss-Up” category for 2024, along with Democratic Sens. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and an open seat in Arizona.
Tester’s campaign did not immediately respond to the DCNF’s request for comment.
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