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Senate roll call 42 · 96th Congress · Apr 9, 1979

To reconsider the vote by which the helms amendment to S. 210 was agreed to. (see RC 37). (motion passed) see note(s) 4

On Apr 9, 1979, the Senate voted 50–43 (S 210). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 38–17, Republicans 13–25, Independents 0–1. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 30 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
50
No
43
Did not vote
7
Date
Apr 9, 1979

By party

  • Democrats38 yes · 17 no · 4 didn’t vote
  • Republicans13 yes · 25 no · 3 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 reconsider the vote by which the helms…: Senate Vote, Apr 9, 1979,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/96-S-42/to-reconsider-the-vote-by-which-the-helms-amendment (accessed 2026-10-16).

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