To instruct the sergeant-at-arms to compel the attendance of absent senators. (motion passed)

On Dec 12, 1979, the Senate voted 67–6. Result: passed. By party: Democrats 44–0, Republicans 22–6, Independents 1–0. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 6 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: 67
No: 6
Did not vote: 28
Date: Dec 12, 1979

By party

Democrats44 yes · 0 no · 15 didn’t vote
Republicans22 yes · 6 no · 13 didn’t vote
Independents1 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

William Lester Armstrong R-CO voted no
Lowell Palmer Weicker Jr. R-CT voted no
James Albertus Mcclure R-ID voted no
Rudolph Eli (Rudy) Boschwitz R-MN voted no
Edwin Jacob (Jake) Garn R-UT voted no
Malcolm Wallop R-WY voted no

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 instruct the sergeant-at-arms to compel…: Senate Vote, Dec 12, 1979,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/96-S-473/to-instruct-the-sergeant-at-arms-to-compel-the (accessed 2026-10-16).