To amend S. 815, fiscal 1982 defense authorization, by $50 million for research and development of airborne and spaced-based laser weapons and to direct the SEC

On May 13, 1981, the Senate voted 91–3 (S 815). Result: passed. By party: Republicans 50–1, Democrats 40–2, Independents 1–0. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 3 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: 91
No: 3
Did not vote: 7
Date: May 13, 1981

By party

Republicans50 yes · 1 no · 3 didn’t vote
Democrats40 yes · 2 no · 4 didn’t vote
Independents1 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

Paul Efthemios Tsongas D-MA voted no
Mark Odom Hatfield R-OR voted no
William Proxmire D-WI voted no

The bill

S. 815: A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982, for procurement of aircraft, missiles, naval vessels, tracked combat vehicles, torpedoes, and other weapons, for research, development, test, and evaluation, and for operation and maintenance for the Armed Forces, to prescribe the authorized personnel strength for each active duty component of the Armed Forces and for civilian personnel of t

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. 815, fiscal 1982 defense…: Senate Vote, May 13, 1981,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/97-S-115/to-amend-s-815-fiscal-1982-defense-authorization-by (accessed 2026-10-17).