To proceed to consideration of S. 2278, to allow a court to award attorneys' fees to a prevailing party in suits brought to enforce certain civil rights acts.

On Sep 21, 1976, the Senate voted 69–12 (S 2278). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 43–5, Republicans 25–7, Independents 1–0. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 12 members voted against their own party.

During the 94th Congress (1975–1976), Gerald Ford was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 69
No: 12
Did not vote: 20
Date: Sep 21, 1976

By party

Democrats43 yes · 5 no · 13 didn’t vote
Republicans25 yes · 7 no · 6 didn’t vote
Independents1 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

James Browning Allen D-AL voted no
John Little Mcclellan D-AR voted no
Barry Morris Goldwater R-AZ voted no
Paul Jones Fannin R-AZ voted no
James Oliver Eastland D-MS voted no
John Cornelius Stennis D-MS voted no
Jesse Helms R-NC voted no
Robert Burren Morgan D-NC voted no
James Strom Thurmond R-SC voted no
John Goodwin Tower R-TX voted no
William Lloyd Scott R-VA voted no
Clifford Peter Hansen R-WY voted no

The bill

S. 2278: A bill entitled The Civil Rights Attorneys' Fees Awards Act of 1975.

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 proceed to consideration of S. 2278, to…: Senate Vote, Sep 21, 1976,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/94-S-1224/to-proceed-to-consideration-of-s-2278-to-allow (accessed 2026-10-17).