To invoke cloture, thereby limiting debate on S 1721, intelligence oversight act, a bill to increase congressional oversight of covert intelligence activities.

On Mar 15, 1988, the Senate voted 73–18 (S 1721). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 47–1, Republicans 26–17. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 18 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: 73
No: 18
Did not vote: 10
Date: Mar 15, 1988

By party

Republicans26 yes · 17 no · 3 didn’t vote
Democrats47 yes · 1 no · 7 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

John Sidney Mccain III R-AZ voted no
Pete Wilson R-CA voted no
William Lester Armstrong R-CO voted no
James Albertus Mcclure R-ID voted no
Steven Douglas Symms R-ID voted no
Alan John Dixon D-IL voted no
John Claggett Danforth R-MO voted no
William Thad Cochran R-MS voted no
Jesse Helms R-NC voted no
Gordon John Humphrey R-NH voted no
Jacob Chic Hecht R-NV voted no
Donald Lee Nickles R-OK voted no
Arlen Specter R-PA voted no
James Strom Thurmond R-SC voted no
William Philip (Phil) Gramm R-TX voted no
Edwin Jacob (Jake) Garn R-UT voted no
Orrin Grant Hatch R-UT voted no
Malcolm Wallop R-WY voted no

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 invoke cloture, thereby limiting debate…: Senate Vote, Mar 15, 1988,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/100-S-469/to-invoke-cloture-thereby-limiting-debate-on-s-1721 (accessed 2026-10-17).