S. 2539. Bush amend. To eliminate classroom construction program & add the $50 million to the authorization for college housing loans.

On Aug 17, 1959, the Senate voted 41–53 (S 2539). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 12–52, Republicans 30–3. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 15 members voted against their own party.

During the 86th Congress (1959–1960), Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 41
No: 53
Did not vote: 5
Date: Aug 17, 1959

By party

Democrats12 yes · 52 no · 3 didn’t vote
Republicans30 yes · 3 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

James William Fulbright D-AR voted yes
John Little Mcclellan D-AR voted yes
Carl Trumbull Hayden D-AZ voted yes
Joseph Allen Frear Jr. D-DE voted yes
Spessard Lindsey Holland D-FL voted yes
Richard Brevard Russell Jr. D-GA voted yes
Homer Earl Capehart R-IN voted no
James Oliver Eastland D-MS voted yes
William Langer R-ND voted no
Clinton Presba Anderson D-NM voted yes
Frank John Lausche D-OH voted yes
James Strom Thurmond D-SC voted yes
Karl Earl Mundt R-SD voted no
Absalom Willis Robertson D-VA voted yes
Harry Flood Byrd D-VA voted yes

How each senator voted: Yes

How each senator voted: No

Voted present

Francis Higbee Case R-SD

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

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Capitol Receipts, “S. 2539. Bush amend. To eliminate classroom…: Senate Vote, Aug 17…,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/86-S-159/s-2539-bush-amend-to-eliminate-classroom-construction-program (accessed 2026-10-15).