The Senate voted 98-0 and the House will approve the $2.1 Billion spending bill shortly….
The Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a $2.1 billion emergency spending bill to pay for Capitol security costs stemming from the Jan. 6 attack and a push by the Biden administration to allow thousands of Afghans facing retribution for aiding American troops to be quickly evacuated to the United States.
The 98-0 vote came after Senate leaders in both parties endorsed the stopgap spending bill, the product of weeks of wrangling between Republicans and Democrats over how broad the legislation should be, including the addition of more than $1.1 billion for Afghan refugees.
The bill would steer $70.7 million to a U.S. Capitol Police force still reeling from the deadly riot, to cover the hiring of more officers, overtime and hazard pay, retention bonuses, mental health resources, training and equipment.
“The last six months have pushed those who protect the U.S. Capitol to the limits,” said Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader. “In the face of unprecedented adversity, they responded heroically. We must support them now, as they so courageously supported us.”
It would also provide $521 million to reimburse the National Guard for its response at the Capitol during the Jan. 6 mob violence and months of patrolling afterward; $300 million for security upgrades to the complex, including hardening windows and doors and adding a new camera system; and $35.4 million for other agencies that helped respond.
The House was expected to quickly take it up and pass it, and the White House issued a statement announcing the administration’s support, suggesting that President Biden would sign it….