Authorize Speaker to Declare Recesses

On Dec 21, 1995, the House voted 228–179 on “On Ordering the Previous Question” (HRES 320). Result: Passed. By party: Republicans 226–2, Democrats 2–176, Independents 0–1. It was a party-line vote: most Democrats and most Republicans voted on opposite sides. 4 members voted against their own party.

During the 104th Congress (1995–1996), Bill Clinton was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Result: Passed
Yes: 228
No: 179
Did not vote: 38
Date: Dec 21, 1995

By party

Republicans226 yes · 2 no · 8 didn’t vote
Democrats2 yes · 176 no · 30 didn’t vote
Independents0 yes · 1 no

Who broke with their party

Constance A. Morella R-MD voted no
William K. Brewster D-OK voted yes
Ralph Moody Hall D-TX voted yes
Thomas M. Davis III R-VA voted no

How each representative voted: Yes

How each representative voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “Authorize Speaker to Declare Recesses: House Vote, Dec 21, 1995,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/104-H-860/authorize-speaker-to-declare-recesses (accessed 2026-10-14).