PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 108-415.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Nov 19, 2004
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)
Amends Federal law to increase the statutory limit on the public debt from $7.384 trillion to $8.184 trillion.
People & committees
Sen. Frist, William H. [R-TN] · R–TN
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 108-415.
Became Public Law No: 108-415.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 208 - 204 (Roll no. 536).
House roll call 536 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 208 - 204 (Roll no. 536).
House roll call 536 · Individual votesOn motion to commit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 194 - 218 (Roll no. 535).
House roll call 535 · Individual votesThe previous question on the motion to commit with instructions was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H9986)
Floor summary: DEBATE - The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Stenholm motion to commit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment providing that the provisions of the bill shall not apply after April 15, 2005.
Mr. Stenholm moved to commit with instructions to Ways and Means. (consideration: CR H9985-9986; text: CR H9985)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H9985)
DEBATE - The House resumed debate on S. 2986.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 2986.
Rule provides for consideration of S. 2986 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions. The resolution provides for one motion to commit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 856. (consideration: CR H9975-9987)
Rule H. Res. 856 passed House.
Held at the desk.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 44. Record Vote Number: 213. (text: CR S11418)
Senate roll call 213 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 44. Record Vote Number: 213.(text: CR S11418)
Senate roll call 213 · Individual votesRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 856 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 2986 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions. The resolution provides for one motion to commit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S11398, S11399-11418)
Introduced in the Senate. Read twice. Ordered Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 805. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11382)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.2986 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 S.2986 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 S.2986 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 S.2986 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.