On a motion that the Senate return to legislative session. The Senate was in closed session at this time.

On May 2, 1972, the Senate voted 36–32. Result: passed. By party: Republicans 34–2, Democrats 3–30, Others 1–0, Independents 0–1. It was a party-line vote: most Democrats and most Republicans voted on opposite sides. 5 members voted against their own party.

During the 92nd Congress (1971–1972), Richard Nixon was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 36
No: 32
Did not vote: 31
Date: May 2, 1972

By party

Democrats3 yes · 30 no · 22 didn’t vote
Republicans34 yes · 2 no · 9 didn’t vote
Others1 yes · 0 no
Independents0 yes · 1 no

Who broke with their party

Theodore Fulton (Ted) Stevens R-AK voted no
James Browning Allen D-AL voted yes
Herman Eugene Talmadge D-GA voted yes
Clinton Presba Anderson D-NM voted yes
William Emerson Brock III R-TN voted no

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, “On a motion that the Senate return to…: Senate Vote, May 2, 1972,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/92-S-580/on-a-motion-that-the-senate-return-to-legislative (accessed 2026-10-16).