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HR 424 105th Congress House Crime and Law Enforcement Assault Bombs Capital punishment Drug abuse Drug traffic Emergency Management Explosives Firearms Machine guns Mandatory sentences Murder Recidivists Sentences (Criminal procedure) Violence Weapons

To provide for increased mandatory minimum sentences for criminals possessing firearms, and for other purposes.

Introduced: January 9, 1997 See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 105th Congress ended
It never became law before the 105th Congress (1997–1998) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 17 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Feb 25, 1998
Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Feb 24, 1998
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Feb 24, 1998
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 350 - 59 (Roll no. 18).
Feb 24, 1998
Considered as unfinished business.
Feb 24, 1998
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 5, rule I, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Feb 24, 1998
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Feb 24, 1998
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H530-536)
Feb 24, 1998
Mr. McCollum moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Oct 24, 1997
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 199.
Oct 24, 1997
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 105-344.
Sep 9, 1997
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 17 - 8.
Sep 9, 1997
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jul 16, 1997
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Jul 16, 1997
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jan 28, 1997
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
Jan 9, 1997
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Jan 9, 1997
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 1
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Feb 24, 1998 House · vote #18 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended Passed 350–59 See who voted →
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Amends Federal criminal code provisions prescribing mandatory additional sentences for use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. Requires additional sentences of: (1) 10 years for possessing a firearm (current law requires 5 years for using or carrying a firearm), 15 years for brandishing a firearm, and 20 years for discharging a firearm during and in relation to any such crime; and (2) 20 years, 25 years, and 30 years for second or subsequent convictions of such offenses, respectively.

What's happening now February 25, 1998

Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

 Related & companion bills 2
  • S 43 Related bill A bill to throttle criminal use of guns.
  • S 191 Related bill A bill to throttle criminal use of guns.
 Bill text 4 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3
 Cosponsors 1
All 1 Republican 1
R
Graham, Lindsey
South Carolina · Jan 9, 1997
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 424: To provide for increased mandatory minimum sentences for criminals possessing firearms, and for other purposes.. 105th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-424/
MLA
"H.R. 424: To provide for increased mandatory minimum sentences for criminals possessing firearms, and for other purposes.." 105th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-424/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 424, 105th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-424/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 424: To provide for increased mandatory minimum sentences for criminals possessing firearms, and for other purposes.](https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-424/)
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