Requires certification that UNFPA does not support or participate in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization in the People

On Sep 20, 1989, the Senate voted 48–50 on “On the Motion to Table” (HR 2939). Result: Motion to Table Failed. By party: Democrats 39–14, Republicans 9–36. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 23 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 Failed
Yes: 48
No: 50
Did not vote: 3
Date: Sep 20, 1989

By party

Republicans9 yes · 36 no
Democrats39 yes · 14 no · 3 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Theodore Fulton (Ted) Stevens R-AK voted yes
Howell Thomas Heflin D-AL voted no
Richard C. Shelby D-AL voted no
Dennis Webster Deconcini D-AZ voted no
Joseph Robinette (Joe) Biden Jr. D-DE voted no
Thomas Richard (Tom) Harkin D-IA voted no
Alan John Dixon D-IL voted no
Nancy Landon Kassebaum R-KS voted yes
Wendell Hampton Ford D-KY voted no
John Bennett Johnston Jr. D-LA voted no
John Berlinger Breaux D-LA voted no
George John Mitchell D-ME voted no
William Sebastian Cohen R-ME voted yes
Kent Conrad D-ND voted no
J. James Exon D-NE voted no
Warren Bruce Rudman R-NH voted yes
Harry Reid D-NV voted no
David Lyle Boren D-OK voted no
Mark Odom Hatfield R-OR voted yes
Robert William Packwood R-OR voted yes
Arlen Specter R-PA voted yes
John Hubbard Chafee R-RI voted yes
James Merrill Jeffords R-VT voted yes

How each senator voted: Yes

How each senator voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

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Capitol Receipts, “Requires certification that UNFPA does not…: Senate Vote, Sep 20, 1989,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/101-S-186/requires-certification-that-unfpa-does-not-support-or-participate (accessed 2026-10-16).