PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 117-1.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Jan 22, 2021
This bill allows the first person nominated and appointed as Secretary of Defense after 12 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on January 20, 2021, to be a person who is, on the date of appointment, at least four years after relief from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of the Armed Forces. Under current law, an individual may not be appointed as Secretary of Defense within seven years after relief from such active duty.
People & committees
Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9] · D–WA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 117-1.
Became Public Law No: 117-1.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed (under the order of 1/21/21, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative) without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 69 - 27. Record Vote Number: 4. (consideration: CR S86-87)
Senate roll call 4 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in Senate: Received in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed (under the order of 1/21/21, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative) without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 69 - 27. Record Vote Number: 4.(consideration: CR S86-87)
Senate roll call 4 · Individual votesMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 326 - 78 (Roll no. 18). (text: CR H210)
House roll call 18 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 326 - 78 (Roll no. 18).(text: CR H210)
House roll call 18 · Individual votesThe previous question was ordered pursuant to a previous order of the House.
DEBATE - Pursuant to a previous special order, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 335.
Considered pursuant to a previous order. (consideration: CR H209-219)
Consideration initiated pursuant to a previous order.
ORDER OF PROCEDURE - Mr. McGovern asked for unanimous consent that it be in order at any time to consider H.R. 335 in the House if called up by the chair of the Committee on Armed Services or his designee; that all points of order against consideration of the bill be waived; that the bill be considered as read; that all points of order against provisions in the bill be waiverd; and that the previous question be considered as ordered on the bill and on any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services or their respective designees; and (2) one motion to recommit. Agreed to without objection.
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Jan 14, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.335 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.335 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.335 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.
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