To pass S. 643, reforming the U.S. Refugee and assistance program by repealing current discriminatory laws, raising (continued) the annual limitation on refugee

On Sep 6, 1979, the Senate voted 85–0 (S 643). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 53–0, Republicans 33–0, Independents 1–0. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes.

During the 96th Congress (1979–1980), Jimmy Carter was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 85
No: 0
Did not vote: 14
Date: Sep 6, 1979

By party

Democrats53 yes · 0 no · 6 didn’t vote
Republicans33 yes · 0 no · 8 didn’t vote
Independents1 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

Every member who voted sided with their party's majority.

The bill

S. 643: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise the procedures for the admission of refugees, to amend the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 to establish a more uniform basis for the provision of assistance to refugees, and for other purposes.

How each senator voted: Yes

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To pass S. 643, reforming the U.S. Refugee…: Senate Vote, Sep 6, 1979,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/96-S-262/to-pass-s-643-reforming-the-u-s-refugee (accessed 2026-10-17).