PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 115-2.
Congressional Research Service
Version 82 · Passed Senate without amendment · Jan 12, 2017
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
(Sec. 1) This bill allows the first person, and only such person, appointed as Secretary of Defense after the enactment of this bill to be a person who is, on the date of appointment, not within at least three 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
Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] · R–AZ
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 115-2.
Became Public Law No: 115-2.
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: 268 - 151, 1 Present (Roll no. 59). (text: CR H520)
House roll call 59 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 268 - 151, 1 Present (Roll no. 59).(text: CR H520)
House roll call 59 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H531-532)
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on S. 84, the Chair put the question on passge and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (WA) demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on passage of S. 84 until later in the legislative day.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 90 minutes of debate on S. 84.
Rule provides for consideration of S. Con. Res. 3 and S. 84. The resolution provides for two hours of general debate on S. Con. Res. 3 under a structured rule, and ninety minutes of debate on S.84. The resolution also provides for one motion to commit on S. 84.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 48. (consideration: CR H520-529)
Rule H. Res. 48 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 48 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. Con. Res. 3 and S. 84. The resolution provides for two hours of general debate on S. Con. Res. 3 under a structured rule, and ninety minutes of debate on S.84. The resolution also provides for one motion to commit on S. 84.
Held at the desk.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative (pursuant to H.R. 2028, 114th Congress), without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 81 - 17. Record Vote Number: 27. (text: CR S307)
Senate roll call 27 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative (pursuant to H.R. 2028, 114th Congress), without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 81 - 17. Record Vote Number: 27.(text: CR S307)
Senate roll call 27 · Individual votesMeasure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S299-307)
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S299)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 2.
Committee on Armed Services. Reported by Senator McCain without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on Armed Services. Reported by Senator McCain without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on Armed Services. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jan 14, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.
Analyze S.84 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.84 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.84 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.84 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.