PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · May 18, 2017
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on May 11, 2017. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Thin Blue Line Act
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the federal criminal code to expand the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include killing or targeting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder.
People & committees
Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16] · R–FL
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 271 - 143 (Roll no. 265). (text: CR H4333)
House roll call 265 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 271 - 143 (Roll no. 265).(text: CR H4333)
House roll call 265 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4341)
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 115, the Chair put the question on passage and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Conyers demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on passage of the bill until later in the legislative day.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 115.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 115 with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions allowed. The resolution provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 115-17 shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 323. (consideration: CR H4332-4340)
Rule H. Res. 323 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 323 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 115 with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions allowed. The resolution provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 115-17 shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 69.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 115-116.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 115-116.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 19 - 12.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
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: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.R.115 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.R.115 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.R.115 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.R.115 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.