PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 115-8.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Feb 28, 2017
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
This joint resolution nullifies the “Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007” rule finalized by the Social Security Administration on December 19, 2016. The rule implements a plan to provide to the National Instant Criminal History Background Check System the name of an individual who meets certain criteria, including that benefit payments are made through a representative payee because the individual is determined to be mentally incapable of managing them. (Current law prohibits firearm sale or transfer to and purchase or possession by a person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective.)
People & committees
Rep. Johnson, Sam [R-TX-3] · R–TX
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 115-8.
Became Public Law No: 115-8.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 57 - 43. Record Vote Number: 66.
Senate roll call 66 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 57 - 43. Record Vote Number: 66.
Senate roll call 66 · Individual votesConsidered by Senate. (consideration: CR S1167-1169)
Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S1142-1157)
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Received in the Senate, read twice.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 235 - 180 (Roll no. 77). (text: CR H895)
House roll call 77 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 235 - 180 (Roll no. 77).(text: CR H895)
House roll call 77 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H916-917)
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.J. Res. 40, the Chair put the question on passage and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Conyers demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on passage until a time to be announced.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H907)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 40.
Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 41 and H.J. Res. 40. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate on both H.J.Res. 40 and H.J.Res. 41. All points of order against consideration are waived for both joint resolutions.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 71. (consideration: CR H894-907)
Rule H. Res. 71 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 71 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 41 and H.J. Res. 40. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate on both H.J.Res. 40 and H.J.Res. 41. All points of order against consideration are waived for both joint resolutions.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.J.Res.40 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.J.Res.40 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.J.Res.40 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.J.Res.40 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.