To reject a motion by judge walter l. Nixon to have his impeachment hearing held before the full Senate.

On Nov 3, 1989, the Senate voted 7–90 on “On the Motion”. Result: Motion Rejected. By party: Democrats 2–52, Republicans 5–39. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 7 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 Rejected
Yes: 7
No: 90
Did not vote: 3
Date: Nov 3, 1989

By party

Republicans5 yes · 39 no · 1 didn’t vote
Democrats2 yes · 52 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Howell Thomas Heflin D-AL voted yes
Connie Mack III R-FL voted yes
(James) Terry Sanford D-NC voted yes
Jesse Helms R-NC voted yes
Robert William Packwood R-OR voted yes
Arlen Specter R-PA voted yes
Malcolm Wallop 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 reject a motion by judge walter l. Nixon…: Senate Vote, Nov 3, 1989,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/101-S-284/to-reject-a-motion-by-judge-walter-l-nixon (accessed 2026-10-17).