BIDEN’S BILLS

President signs bills involving Jan. 6, visas for Afghan allies.

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Friday signed emergency legislation that would bolster security at the Capitol, repay outstanding debts from the violent Jan. 6 insurrection and increase the number of visas for allies who worked alongside Americans in the Afghanistan war.

The Senate approved the $2.1 billion legislation early Thursday afternoon, 98-0, and the House passed it immediately afterward, 416-11.

Senators struck a bipartisan agreement on the legislation this week, two months after the House had passed a bill that would have provided around twice as much for Capitol security. But House leaders said they would back the Senate version anyway, arguing the money is urgently needed for the Capitol Police and for the translators and others who worked closely with U.S. government troops and civilians in Afghanistan.

The bill loosens some requirements for the visas, which lawmakers say are especially pressing as the U.S. military withdrawal enters its final weeks and Afghan allies face possible retaliation from the Taliban.

The money for increased Capitol security comes more than six months after the insurrection by former President Donald Trump’s supporters.

The bill’s passage follows testimony by four police officers who fought off the rioters in the Jan. 6 attack in an emotional House hearing on Tuesday.

For the Afghan allies, the bill would allow 8,000 additional visas and provide $500 million for their transportation, housing and other essential services.