To reduce funds for the SDI program and increase funds for certain other programs.

On Jul 27, 1989, the Senate voted 50–47 on “On the Motion to Table” (S 1352). Result: Motion to Table Agreed to. By party: Democrats 13–41, Republicans 37–6. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 19 members voted against their own party.

During the 101st Congress (1989–1990), George H. W. Bush was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Result: Motion to Table Agreed to
Yes: 50
No: 47
Did not vote: 4
Date: Jul 27, 1989

By party

Republicans37 yes · 6 no · 2 didn’t vote
Democrats13 yes · 41 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Howell Thomas Heflin D-AL voted yes
Richard C. Shelby D-AL voted yes
Daniel Robert (Bob) Graham D-FL voted yes
Samuel Augustus Nunn D-GA voted yes
Charles Ernest Grassley R-IA voted no
Alan John Dixon D-IL voted yes
J. James Exon D-NE voted yes
Jesse Francis (Jeff) Bingaman Jr. D-NM voted yes
Richard H Bryan D-NV voted yes
David Lyle Boren D-OK voted yes
Mark Odom Hatfield R-OR voted no
Arlen Specter R-PA voted no
Henry John Heinz III R-PA voted no
John Hubbard Chafee R-RI voted no
Ernest Frederick (Fritz) Hollings D-SC voted yes
Larry Lee Pressler R-SD voted no
Albert Arnold Gore Jr. D-TN voted yes
Charles Spittal Robb D-VA voted yes
Robert Carlyle Byrd D-WV 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 reduce funds for the SDI program and…: Senate Vote, Jul 27, 1989,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/101-S-148/to-reduce-funds-for-the-sdi-program-and-increase (accessed 2026-10-14).