To amend H.R. 3706 to obtain Senate access to federal records on martin luther king, JR. (motion failed) see note(s) 19

On Oct 18, 1983, the Senate voted 3–90 (HR 3706). Result: failed. By party: Republicans 3–49, Democrats 0–42. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 3 members voted against their own party.

During the 98th Congress (1983–1984), Ronald Reagan was president, and Democrats held the House majority and Republicans the Senate majority.

Yes: 3
No: 90
Did not vote: 7
Date: Oct 18, 1983

By party

Republicans3 yes · 49 no · 3 didn’t vote
Democrats0 yes · 42 no · 4 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Jeremiah Andrew Denton Jr. R-AL voted yes
Steven Douglas Symms R-ID voted yes
Jesse Helms R-NC voted yes

The bill

H.R. 3706: A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to make the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., a legal public holiday.

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 H.R. 3706 to obtain Senate access…: Senate Vote, Oct 18, 1983,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/98-S-286/to-amend-h-r-3706-to-obtain-senate-access (accessed 2026-10-17).