ESSAA 2021 (H.R. 3237)

Summary

Gives extra money to improve security at the U.S. Capitol after the January 6th attack and helps Afghan allies who worked with the U.S. come to America.

What problem does this solve?

The attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, showed serious security problems and created unexpected costs. At the same time, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan put many Afghan allies in danger. This law gives emergency money to fix Capitol security, pay for the National Guard, and speed up the visa process to help Afghan allies get to safety.

What does this law do?

Expands Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program

Increases the number of available visas for Afghan allies by 8,000, raising the total from 26,500 to 34,500, and extends the program's deadline.

Funds security upgrades for the U.S. Capitol

Provides $300 million to the Architect of the Capitol to upgrade or replace windows and doors in Capitol Complex buildings and install new security cameras.

Provides funding for National Guard response

Appropriates over $520 million to the Army and Air National Guard to cover costs related to their deployment to the U.S. Capitol following the events of January 6, 2021.

Prohibits permanent fencing around the Capitol

Forbids any funds from being used to install permanent, above-ground fencing around the perimeter of the United States Capitol Grounds.

Waives medical exams to speed up Afghan visa processing

Allows the government to waive the required medical exam for Afghan SIV applicants before they enter the U.S., requiring them instead to complete it within 30 days of arrival.

Supports U.S. Capitol Police officers

Provides over $70 million to the Capitol Police for salaries, overtime, retention bonuses, hazard pay, counseling services, and new equipment.

Aids surviving families of allies

Allows the surviving spouse or child of a deceased Afghan or Iraqi ally who was eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa to still receive that status.

Funds humanitarian aid for Afghanistan

Allocates $600 million for humanitarian needs in Afghanistan and to assist Afghan refugees through the Migration and Refugee Assistance account and the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund.

Names Capitol Police wellness center

Designates the wellness program of the United States Capitol Police as the 'Howard C. Liebengood Center for Wellness'.

Makes payments to heirs of deceased members of Congress

Directs payments of $174,000 each to the widow of Rep. Ronald Wright and the heirs of Rep. Alcee Hastings.

Who does this affect?

Afghan and Iraqi allies of the U.S. government and their families
U.S. Capitol Police officers and staff
National Guard members

What is the real world impact?

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Responds to national security crises

Addresses the immediate financial and security needs following the January 6th Capitol attack and the humanitarian crisis resulting from the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

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Supports Afghan allies

Speeds up the visa process and provides financial aid for Afghans who assisted the U.S. government, helping them escape danger and resettle in the United States.

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Prevents a 'fortress Capitol'

While boosting security with funds for cameras and reinforced windows, the law explicitly forbids permanent, above-ground fencing, aiming to balance security with public access to the Capitol grounds.

When does this start?

This law provides emergency funding for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, and includes several specific deadlines for its provisions.

Medical exam waiver authority ends

The authority for the government to waive pre-entry medical exams for Afghan allies expires three years after the law was enacted, on July 30, 2024.

Afghan SIV program deadline extended

The deadline for Afghan allies to apply for the Special Immigrant Visa program is extended to December 31, 2023.

Report on Afghan SIV program due

The Secretary of State must submit a report to Congress on the status and processing times of the Afghan SIV program by July 30, 2022, one year after the law's enactment.

Post-arrival medical exam deadline

Any Afghan ally who enters the U.S. with a medical exam waiver must complete the exam no later than 30 days after their arrival.

Retroactive eligibility for surviving families

Changes allowing surviving spouses and children of allies to get special immigrant status are made effective retroactively to June 30, 2021.