To adopt the conference report on HR 2939, the independent counsel law, a bill extending the law appointing special prosecutors to investigate alleged wrongdoin

On Nov 20, 1987, the Senate voted 85–7 (HR 2939). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 52–0, Republicans 35–7. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 7 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: 85
No: 7
Did not vote: 7
Date: Nov 20, 1987

By party

Republicans35 yes · 7 no · 4 didn’t vote
Democrats52 yes · 0 no · 3 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Theodore Fulton (Ted) Stevens R-AK voted no
William Lester Armstrong R-CO voted no
Steven Douglas Symms R-ID voted no
William Thad Cochran R-MS voted no
Jesse Helms R-NC voted no
Gordon John Humphrey R-NH voted no
William Philip (Phil) Gramm R-TX voted no

The bill

H.R. 2939: A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, with respect to the appointment of independent counsel.

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 adopt the conference report on HR 2939…: Senate Vote, Nov 20, 1987,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/100-S-386/to-adopt-the-conference-report-on-hr-2939-the (accessed 2026-10-17).