To adopt S 742, the fairness in broadcasting act of 1987, a bill to clarify congressional intent regarding certain requirements of the communications act of 198

On Apr 9, 1987, the Senate voted 59–31 (S 742). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 41–6, Republicans 18–25. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 24 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: 59
No: 31
Did not vote: 11
Date: Apr 9, 1987

By party

Republicans18 yes · 25 no · 3 didn’t vote
Democrats41 yes · 6 no · 8 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Howell Thomas Heflin D-AL voted no
Pete Wilson R-CA voted yes
William Victor Roth Jr. R-DE voted yes
Charles Ernest Grassley R-IA voted yes
Alan John Dixon D-IL voted no
William Sebastian Cohen R-ME voted yes
David Ferdinand Durenberger R-MN voted yes
John Claggett Danforth R-MO voted yes
John Cornelius Stennis D-MS voted no
William Thad Cochran R-MS voted yes
John Melcher D-MT voted no
Max Sieben Baucus D-MT voted no
Jesse Helms R-NC voted yes
Warren Bruce Rudman R-NH voted yes
Mark Odom Hatfield R-OR voted yes
Henry John Heinz III R-PA voted yes
John Hubbard Chafee R-RI voted yes
James Strom Thurmond R-SC voted yes
Larry Lee Pressler R-SD voted yes
John William Warner R-VA voted yes
Paul Seward Trible Jr. R-VA voted yes
Robert Theodore Stafford R-VT voted yes
William Proxmire D-WI voted no
Alan Kooi Simpson R-WY 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 adopt S 742, the fairness in broadcasting…: Senate Vote, Apr 9…,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/100-S-75/to-adopt-s-742-the-fairness-in-broadcasting-act (accessed 2026-10-17).