To amend S.CON.RES.27 by adding additional funds for law enforcement and construction of prisons. (motion failed) see note(s) 4

On May 4, 1983, the Senate voted 17–81. Result: failed. By party: Republicans 5–47, Democrats 12–34. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 17 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: 17
No: 81
Did not vote: 3
Date: May 4, 1983

By party

Republicans5 yes · 47 no · 3 didn’t vote
Democrats12 yes · 34 no

Who broke with their party

Dale Bumpers D-AR voted yes
Dennis Webster Deconcini D-AZ voted yes
Christopher John Dodd D-CT voted yes
Joseph Robinette (Joe) Biden Jr. D-DE voted yes
Paula Hawkins R-FL voted yes
Spark Masayuki Matsunaga D-HI voted yes
Russell Billiu Long D-LA voted yes
Edward Moore (Ted) Kennedy D-MA voted yes
Paul Spyros Sarbanes D-MD voted yes
Carl Levin D-MI voted yes
Edward Zorinsky D-NE voted yes
Alfonse Marcello D'Amato R-NY voted yes
Daniel Patrick Moynihan D-NY voted yes
Howard Morton Metzenbaum D-OH voted yes
Robert William Packwood R-OR voted yes
Arlen Specter R-PA voted yes
Henry John Heinz III R-PA 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.27 by adding additional…: Senate Vote, May 4, 1983,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/98-S-68/to-amend-s-con-res-27-by-adding-additional (accessed 2026-10-14).