To begin consideration of S 1293, the independent counsel law, a bill to extend the law authorizing autonomous prosecutors to investigate alleged misconduct by

On Oct 16, 1987, the Senate voted 65–28 (S 1293). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 53–0, Republicans 13–28. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 13 members voted against their own party.

During the 100th Congress (1987–1988), Ronald Reagan was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 65
No: 28
Did not vote: 7
Date: Oct 16, 1987

By party

Republicans13 yes · 28 no · 5 didn’t vote
Democrats53 yes · 0 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Pete Wilson R-CA voted yes
Lowell Palmer Weicker Jr. R-CT voted yes
William Victor Roth Jr. R-DE voted yes
Robert Joseph (Bob) Dole R-KS voted yes
William Sebastian Cohen R-ME voted yes
David Ferdinand Durenberger R-MN voted yes
Rudolph Eli (Rudy) Boschwitz R-MN voted yes
David Kemp Karnes R-NE voted yes
Warren Bruce Rudman R-NH voted yes
Alfonse Marcello D'Amato R-NY voted yes
Mark Odom Hatfield R-OR voted yes
Arlen Specter R-PA voted yes
Henry John Heinz III R-PA voted yes

How each senator voted: Yes

How each senator voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To begin consideration of S 1293, the…: Senate Vote, Oct 16, 1987,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/100-S-335/to-begin-consideration-of-s-1293-the-independent-counsel (accessed 2026-10-17).