To amend S. CON. RES. 19 to eliminate the expensing of intangible drilling and exploration and development costs. (motion failed) see note(s) 3

On May 12, 1981, the Senate voted 12–84 (SCONRES 19). Result: failed. By party: Republicans 0–51, Democrats 12–32, Independents 0–1. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 12 members voted against their own party.

During the 97th Congress (1981–1982), Ronald Reagan was president, and Democrats held the House majority and Republicans the Senate majority.

Yes: 12
No: 84
Did not vote: 5
Date: May 12, 1981

By party

Republicans0 yes · 51 no · 3 didn’t vote
Democrats12 yes · 32 no · 2 didn’t vote
Independents0 yes · 1 no

Who broke with their party

Christopher John Dodd D-CT voted yes
Joseph Robinette (Joe) Biden Jr. D-DE voted yes
Edward Moore (Ted) Kennedy D-MA voted yes
Paul Efthemios Tsongas D-MA voted yes
Thomas Francis Eagleton D-MO voted yes
Harrison Arlington Williams Jr. D-NJ voted yes
William Warren (Bill) Bradley D-NJ voted yes
Daniel Patrick Moynihan D-NY voted yes
Howard Morton Metzenbaum D-OH voted yes
Claiborne de Borda Pell D-RI voted yes
Henry Martin (Scoop) Jackson D-WA voted yes
William Proxmire D-WI voted yes

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. CON. RES. 19 to eliminate the…: Senate Vote, May 12, 1981,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/97-S-104/to-amend-s-con-res-19-to-eliminate-the (accessed 2026-10-17).