Kamlager-Dove, Lawler, Titus, McCaul Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Uphold America’s Commitment to Afghan Allies

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, led the introduction of the bipartisan Enduring Welcome Act alongside Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Michael McCaul (TX-10). 

The Enduring Welcome Act reinforces the statutory mandate for Afghan relocations by codifying the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) and the responsibilities of the Coordinator and establishing a database of cases in the Afghan relocation pipeline. The legislation also provides critical tools to expedite family reunification, improve interagency coordination, and enhance oversight through regular reporting to Congress, without altering rigorous national security vetting procedures.

“Honoring our commitments to our Afghan allies should never be a partisan issue, but a matter of moral responsibility, national honor, and global credibility,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “With this bipartisan bill, we are sending a clear and unified message: the United States keeps its promises. We will not turn our backs on the brave Afghans who risked everything to protect our servicemembers. Their courage helped save American lives, and now it is our duty to protect theirs. This is not just about policy — it’s about principle."

“America made a promise to our Afghan allies who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our servicemembers, at great personal risk, during our mission in Afghanistan. The Enduring Welcome Act strengthens our ability to keep that promise, ensuring that relocation, security vetting, and family reunifications happen quickly, transparently, and with the full coordination of our government. I believe we have a moral obligation to uphold our word, protect those who protected us, and preserve our nation’s credibility for future generations,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.

“I am proud to co-lead the Enduring Welcome Act of 2025 to strengthen my Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) Act which was signed into law last year,” said Rep. Titus. “Our Afghan allies stood beside U.S. service members over the course of our twenty-year involvement in Afghanistan. Now it is time for us to have their backs by improving oversight and coordination of relocation efforts, as they face tremendous danger and continued threats from the Taliban.”

"Our Afghan allies fought and bled alongside U.S. troops, and in return they were promised our protection. Yet as my Afghanistan report revealed, tens of thousands were abandoned during the chaotic withdrawal, left to face horrific violence and reprisal killings at the hands of the Taliban — all because they chose to help us. I’m proud to co-lead the Enduring Welcome Act to honor our promise, stand by those who stood by us, and telegraph a clear message of American strength and credibility throughout the world,” said Congressman Michael McCaul.

“The Enduring Welcome Act is a bipartisan opportunity for Congress to reaffirm our commitment to national security, to veterans, and to the enduring promise of America. This program, built by veterans to serve the mission of bringing our Afghan allies to safety, was tragically shut down by the administration,” said Shawn VanDiver, President of #AfghanEvac. “Today, through this legislation, Congress has the chance to restore it. We are profoundly grateful to Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Michael McCaul, Dina Titus, and Mike Lawler for their leadership in ensuring America keeps faith with those who once stood by our side. In passing this bill, Congress can demonstrate to the American people that we remain united in honoring our allies, our veterans, and the values that define us.”

The State Department established CARE to implement the Enduring Welcome program, which is dedicated to vetting and relocating Afghans who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and therefore qualify for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) or P1/P2 status through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Though Congress codified the CARE Coordinator position in the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act in December 2024, the State Department subsequently dissolved the CARE office and has not appointed a Coordinator. This bill reinforces the statutory mandate for CARE and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Afghan relocation efforts.

The Enduring Welcome Act is cosponsored by Reps. Mike Lawler, Dina Titus, Michael McCaul, Ami Bera, Scott Peters, Dan Crenshaw, Zach Nunn, Gregory Meeks, Greg Stanton, Hank Johnson, Pramila Jayapal, Sarah McBride, Brad Sherman, Bill Keating, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Brian Fitzpatrick, Joaquin Castro, and Julie Johnson.

The Enduring Welcome Act is endorsed by #AfghanEvac, Honor the Promise, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Keeping Our Promise Inc., Massachusetts Afghan Alliance, Task Force Argo, The 5ive Pillars Organization, The Lamia Afghan Foundation, Vet Voice Foundation, World Hazara Council USA, and World Relief. 

Bill text of the Enduring Welcome Act is here.  

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