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Senate roll call 36 · 96th Congress · Apr 5, 1979

To table the helms amendment to S.210, a bill to establish a federal department of education. The helms amendment would restore the right of voluntary prayer i

On Apr 5, 1979, the Senate voted 43–43 (S 210). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 30–22, Republicans 13–21, Independents 0–1. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 35 members voted against their own party.

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

Yes
43
No
43
Did not vote
14
Date
Apr 5, 1979

By party

  • Democrats30 yes · 22 no · 7 didn’t vote
  • Republicans13 yes · 21 no · 7 didn’t vote
  • Independents0 yes · 1 no

Who broke with their party

The bill

S. 210: A bill to establish a Department of Education.

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 table the helms amendment to S.210, a…: Senate Vote, Apr 5, 1979,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/96-S-36/to-table-the-helms-amendment-to-s-210-a (accessed 2026-10-15).

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