Senate unanimously passes $2.1 billion bill for Capitol security, Afghan visas

Washington — The Senate on Thursday approved a $2.1 billion supplemental security spending package that directs much-needed funding to the U.S. Capitol Police and National Guard, under strain following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and bolsters federal efforts to relocate Afghans who aided U.S. troops during the war in Afghanistan.

The legislation passed the Senate with unanimous support in a 98-0 vote. The White House backed the measure and its approval by the Senate. The top Democrat and Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senators Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Richard Shelby of Alabama, announced Tuesday they reached a deal on the emergency spending measure, though a vote was delayed after some Republicans objected to provisions related to the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa program.