To amend S.1539, by authorizing an additional 2.5 billion in grants to states to improve equality of educational opportunity in public elementary and secondary

On May 20, 1974, the Senate voted 4–83 (S 1539). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 1–47, Republicans 3–35, Independents 0–1. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 4 members 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: 4
No: 83
Did not vote: 15
Date: May 20, 1974

By party

Democrats1 yes · 47 no · 9 didn’t vote
Republicans3 yes · 35 no · 5 didn’t vote
Independents0 yes · 1 no

Who broke with their party

Theodore Fulton (Ted) Stevens R-AK voted yes
Lowell Palmer Weicker Jr. R-CT voted yes
Rupert Vance Hartke D-IN voted yes
Edward William Brooke III R-MA 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 amend S.1539, by authorizing an…: Senate Vote, May 20, 1974,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/93-S-797/to-amend-s-1539-by-authorizing-an-additional-2 (accessed 2026-10-15).