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Senate roll call 541 · 96th Congress · Feb 6, 1980

To amend S. 414, allowing universities, nonprofit organizations and small businesses to obtain limited patent protection on discoveries they have made under gov

On Feb 6, 1980, the Senate voted 34–60 (S 414). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 7–47, Republicans 27–13, Independents 1–0. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 20 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
34
No
60
Did not vote
6
Date
Feb 6, 1980

By party

  • Democrats7 yes · 47 no · 5 didn’t vote
  • Republicans27 yes · 13 no · 1 didn’t vote
  • Independents1 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

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 S. 414, allowing universities…: Senate Vote, Feb 6, 1980,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/96-S-541/to-amend-s-414-allowing-universities-nonprofit-organizations-and (accessed 2026-10-17).

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