Pentagon sets up system to save records for Afghan allies.

What it does

The bill tells the Department of Defense to build a secure online system. Afghan military, police, and justice workers who helped the U.S. from 2001 to 2021 can apply to have their records saved. The Pentagon will review applications and keep verified records safe. It will explain why it denies any request. People can appeal denials. The program lasts at least 10 years and costs applicants nothing.

Who it affects

Afghan military, police, and justice workers who worked with the U.S. between 2001 and 2021 can use this system. Family members or advocates can apply on their behalf.

One thing to notice

The bill saves biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans in a Pentagon database. The bill does not say what happens to this data later or who else can see it.

From the analysis of the bill text, linked under Primary records below.

Where it stands

3 cosponsors: 2 Democrats, 1 Republicans.

• Aug 7, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in Senate”
• Aug 7, 2026 — Referred to Senate Committee on Armed Services · Congress.gov: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.

Words to know

• biometrics — Body measurements and features used to identify people, like fingerprints or iris scans.
• Department of Defense — The part of the U.S. government that runs the military.
• appeal — A formal request to reconsider a decision that was made.