To pass S. 59, a bill providing improved medical care to veterans, and to certain dependents and survivors of veterans.

On Mar 6, 1973, the Senate voted 86–2 (S 59). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 53–0, Republicans 37–1, Others 0–1, Independents 1–0. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 1 member voted against their own party.

During the 93rd Congress (1973–1974), Richard Nixon was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 86
No: 2
Did not vote: 9
Date: Mar 6, 1973

By party

Democrats53 yes · 0 no · 4 didn’t vote
Republicans37 yes · 1 no · 5 didn’t vote
Others0 yes · 1 no
Independents1 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

Wallace Foster Bennett R-UT voted no

The bill

S. 59: A bill to amend title 38 of the United States Code to provide improved medical care to veterans; to provide hospital and medical care to certain dependents and survivors of veterans; to improve recruitment and retention of career personnel in the Department of Medicine and Surgery.

How each senator voted: Yes

How each senator voted: No

James Lane Buckley O-NY
Wallace Foster Bennett R-UT

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To pass S. 59, a bill providing improved…: Senate Vote, Mar 6, 1973,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/93-S-29/to-pass-s-59-a-bill-providing-improved-medical (accessed 2026-10-17).