To amend S. 52, a bill establishing a mandatory sentence of 15 years to life imprisonment to combat crimes of armed robbery and armed burglary. The kennedy amen

On Feb 23, 1984, the Senate voted 77–12 (S 52). Result: passed. By party: Republicans 41–9, Democrats 36–3. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 12 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: 77
No: 12
Did not vote: 12
Date: Feb 23, 1984

By party

Republicans41 yes · 9 no · 5 didn’t vote
Democrats36 yes · 3 no · 7 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Paula Hawkins R-FL voted no
Spark Masayuki Matsunaga D-HI voted no
Alan John Dixon D-IL voted no
Richard Green Lugar R-IN voted no
Carl Levin D-MI voted no
Rudolph Eli (Rudy) Boschwitz R-MN voted no
Alfonse Marcello D'Amato R-NY voted no
Robert William Packwood R-OR voted no
Arlen Specter R-PA voted no
Henry John Heinz III R-PA voted no
Robert Walter Kasten Jr. R-WI 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.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To amend S. 52, a bill establishing a…: Senate Vote, Feb 23, 1984,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/98-S-386/to-amend-s-52-a-bill-establishing-a-mandatory (accessed 2026-10-17).