State Representative Rick Jasperse attending the Laken Riley Act bill signing at the White House with Rep. Jessie Petrea, House Speaker Jon Burns, Rep. Matt Barton, Rep. Houston Gaines, and 9th Congressman Andrew Clyde.
[February 02, 2025] | What a couple of days! I got a phone call from the White House... really! And then an email.
I was in a meeting and didn't answer; thought it was a prank /robo call. It wasn't. I, along with four of my fellow State Representatives and Speaker Jon Burns were invited on Tuesday to attend the Signing of the Laken Riley Act at the White House on Wednesday. That's right, the next day.
We four representatives have been very involved in criminal illegal aliens being turned over to ICE (The Immigration Police). We had passed a Georgia bill after 3 years of work and debate.
There was a lot of scrambling around to get a flight for the next day to go to the White House. Whew! Stressful! Yes, the next day... flights were sold out except first thing out and last flight home. (another story)
Had some time to tour DC before the signing. As always, I am amazed at the amount of Pickens County Marble around the U.S. Capitol. The Lincoln Memorial is a good example. I made sure the tour guide knew where Tate was.
SECURITY is crazy-tight at the White House. The secret service men and women were nice but firm. We got to keep our phones after showing the invitation from the White House.
What an Honor to be in the East Room of the White House to be a part of the signing of this important bill by Georgia Congressman Mike Collins. He represents the Athens area where Laken Riley was brutally murdered. His bill will work to keep our citizens safe from the criminal element that the Biden/Harris administration has allowed to enter and now terrorize our country.
President Trump did an outstanding job talking about the bill and why it was important. I was watching the teleprompter at one moment and saw that he personalizes the speech with his thoughts, all the time, off script. You could tell he had spent a lot of time with the family that day by his personal comments.
When Laken's mom spoke after the President... there were many tears shed in honor of her daughter and the three other families who were in attendance who have lost daughters to criminal aliens. Her name will live on forever to help protect Americans.
You may not remember, but Laken's family is from Cherokee County. Lovely people. The sheriffs from Cherokee and Forsyth counties were there, also, for their work in the case.
It was an honor for me to have the opportunity to attend this event. Never dreamed I would have been there. I have a number of photos on my Facebook page if you would like to see them.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to go to the White House.
Don't hesitate to ask me when you see me for more details... especially the flight out.
On the legislative side. Our work on the amended budget is in its final steps. We will vote on it Thursday of this week, and I will fill you in on our recommendations for the Governor's work that will go to the Senate.
I encourage you to visit me at my Georgia Capitol office or call me if you have any questions or concerns regarding the bills, the legislative process, or any other measures considered under the Gold Dome.
My Capitol office number is 404-656-7153. My email is rick.jasperse@house.ga.gov. As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your State Representative.