A group of 51 bipartisan lawmakers is urging House negotiators to maintain funding for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. The lawmakers argue that the program is a life-saving path to safety for Afghan nationals who face serious danger due to their work alongside US troops. The Afghan SIV program has gained new importance following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Congressional negotiators have yet to reach an agreement on FY 2025 spending, leading to two extensions of last year's funding levels.