To amend H. J. RES. 638, the resolution extending the ratification deadline of the proposed equal rights amendment for an additional three years and three month

On Oct 3, 1978, the Senate voted 26–64 (HJR 638). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 12–46, Republicans 14–22, Independents 1–0. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 26 members voted against their own party.

During the 95th Congress (1977–1978), Jimmy Carter was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 26
No: 64
Did not vote: 9
Date: Oct 3, 1978

By party

Democrats12 yes · 46 no · 7 didn’t vote
Republicans14 yes · 22 no · 2 didn’t vote
Independents1 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

Maryon Pittman Allen D-AL voted yes
Barry Morris Goldwater R-AZ voted yes
Herman Eugene Talmadge D-GA voted yes
Samuel Augustus Nunn D-GA voted yes
Frank Forrester Church D-ID voted yes
James Albertus Mcclure R-ID voted yes
Walter Darlington Huddleston D-KY voted yes
Wendell Hampton Ford D-KY voted yes
John Bennett Johnston Jr. D-LA voted yes
Russell Billiu Long D-LA voted yes
John Claggett Danforth R-MO voted yes
James Oliver Eastland D-MS voted yes
John Cornelius Stennis D-MS voted yes
Jesse Helms R-NC voted yes
Carl Thomas Curtis R-NE voted yes
Edward Zorinsky D-NE voted yes
Howard Walter Cannon D-NV voted yes
Paul Dominique Laxalt R-NV voted yes
Dewey Follett Bartlett R-OK voted yes
James Strom Thurmond R-SC voted yes
John Goodwin Tower R-TX voted yes
Edwin Jacob (Jake) Garn R-UT voted yes
Orrin Grant Hatch R-UT voted yes
William Lloyd Scott R-VA voted yes
Clifford Peter Hansen R-WY voted yes
Malcolm Wallop R-WY 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 H. J. RES. 638, the resolution…: Senate Vote, Oct 3, 1978,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/95-S-1072/to-amend-h-j-res-638-the-resolution-extending (accessed 2026-10-17).