PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 35 · Passed Senate amended · Nov 13, 1997
Amends the Federal criminal code to set: (1) a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for possession of a firearm in furtherance of (currently, for using or carrying a firearm during) the commission of a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime; and (2) a ten-year mandatory sentence if the firearm possessed, used, or carried is discharged. Provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 (currently, 20) years for second or subsequent convictions of such an offense. Redefines "serious violent felony" to cover such firearms possession.
People & committees
Sen. Helms, Jesse [R-NC] · R–NC
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 105-386.
Became Public Law No: 105-386.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate agreed to House amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S12631)
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to House amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S12631)
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10329-10331)
Mr. McCollum moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S12711-12712)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S12711-12712)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 266.
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Hatch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-119.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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