To determine if weicker amendment to H.R. 7584, preventing the justice dept. From initiating or participating in litigation to secure remedies for violation of

On Sep 26, 1980, the Senate voted 51–27 (HR 7584). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 33–11, Republicans 19–16, Independents 0–1. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 27 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: 51
No: 27
Did not vote: 21
Date: Sep 26, 1980

By party

Democrats33 yes · 11 no · 15 didn’t vote
Republicans19 yes · 16 no · 6 didn’t vote
Independents0 yes · 1 no

Who broke with their party

William Lester Armstrong R-CO voted no
Joseph Robinette (Joe) Biden Jr. D-DE voted no
William Victor Roth Jr. R-DE voted no
Lawton Mainor Chiles Jr. D-FL voted no
Herman Eugene Talmadge D-GA voted no
Samuel Augustus Nunn D-GA voted no
Roger William Jepsen R-IA voted no
James Albertus Mcclure R-ID voted no
Richard Green Lugar R-IN voted no
Robert Joseph (Bob) Dole R-KS voted no
Wendell Hampton Ford D-KY voted no
John Bennett Johnston Jr. D-LA voted no
Russell Billiu Long D-LA voted no
William Thad Cochran R-MS voted no
Jesse Helms R-NC voted no
Howard Walter Cannon D-NV voted no
Paul Dominique Laxalt R-NV voted no
Richard Schultz Schweiker R-PA voted no
James Strom Thurmond R-SC voted no
Howard Henry Baker Jr. R-TN voted no
Lloyd Millard Bentsen Jr. D-TX voted no
Edwin Jacob (Jake) Garn R-UT voted no
Orrin Grant Hatch R-UT voted no
John William Warner R-VA voted no
William Proxmire D-WI voted no
Jennings Randolph D-WV 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.

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Capitol Receipts, “To determine if weicker amendment to H.R…: Senate Vote, Sep 26, 1980,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/96-S-960/to-determine-if-weicker-amendment-to-h-r-7584 (accessed 2026-10-16).