US Senate funds Afghans’ relocation to US and Capitol security

The emergency bill would allow 8,000 more visas and provide $500m to help resettle Afghans who helped US troops and civilians.

An emergency spending bill passed by the Senate 98-0 on Thursday would increase the number of visas for allies who worked alongside Americans in the Afghanistan war. It would also bolster security at the Capitol and repay outstanding debts from the January 6 insurrection. Democrats and Republicans struck an agreement on the legislation this week, saying the money is urgently needed for the Capitol Police and for the translators and others who worked closely with US government troops and civilians in Afghanistan. The bill loosens some requirements for the visas, which lawmakers say are especially pressing as the US military withdrawal enters its final weeks and Afghan allies face possible retaliation from the Taliban.