To table the melcher, MT) amendment to S 2638 the national defense authorization act of 1987, which would reduce authorization of funds for research, developmen

On Aug 9, 1986, the Senate voted 93–4 (S 2638). Result: passed. By party: Republicans 51–1, Democrats 42–3. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 4 members voted against their own party.

During the 99th Congress (1985–1986), Ronald Reagan was president, and Democrats held the House majority and Republicans the Senate majority.

Yes: 93
No: 4
Did not vote: 4
Date: Aug 9, 1986

By party

Republicans51 yes · 1 no · 2 didn’t vote
Democrats42 yes · 3 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

John Melcher D-MT voted no
Quentin Northrup Burdick D-ND voted no
Mark Odom Hatfield R-OR voted no
William Proxmire D-WI voted no

The bill

S. 2638: A bill to authorize appropriations for military functions of the Department of Defense and to prescribe military personnel levels for such Department for fiscal year 1987, to revise and improve military compensation programs, to improve defense procurement procedures, to authorize certain construction at military installations for fiscal year 1987, to authorize appropriations for national security

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 table the melcher, MT) amendment to S…: Senate Vote, Aug 9, 1986,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/99-S-582/to-table-the-melcher-mt-amendment-to-s-2638 (accessed 2026-10-16).