To amend S 1293, the independent counsel law, to extend the appointment of special prosecutors to investigate alleged wrongdoing by top executive-branch officia

On Nov 3, 1987, the Senate voted 23–72 (S 1293). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 2–49, Republicans 21–23. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 23 members voted against their own party.

During the 100th Congress (1987–1988), Ronald Reagan was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 23
No: 72
Did not vote: 6
Date: Nov 3, 1987

By party

Republicans21 yes · 23 no · 2 didn’t vote
Democrats2 yes · 49 no · 4 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Frank Hughes Murkowski R-AK voted yes
Theodore Fulton (Ted) Stevens R-AK voted yes
Howell Thomas Heflin D-AL voted yes
Richard C. Shelby D-AL voted yes
William Lester Armstrong R-CO voted yes
Charles Ernest Grassley R-IA voted yes
James Albertus Mcclure R-ID voted yes
Steven Douglas Symms R-ID voted yes
Robert Joseph (Bob) Dole R-KS voted yes
Jesse Helms R-NC voted yes
David Kemp Karnes R-NE voted yes
Gordon John Humphrey R-NH voted yes
Pete Vichi Domenici R-NM voted yes
Jacob Chic Hecht R-NV voted yes
Alfonse Marcello D'Amato R-NY voted yes
Donald Lee Nickles R-OK voted yes
James Strom Thurmond R-SC voted yes
William Philip (Phil) Gramm R-TX voted yes
Edwin Jacob (Jake) Garn R-UT voted yes
Orrin Grant Hatch R-UT voted yes
John William Warner R-VA voted yes
Alan Kooi Simpson R-WY voted yes
Malcolm Wallop R-WY voted yes

How each senator voted: Yes

How each senator voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

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Capitol Receipts, “To amend S 1293, the independent counsel…: Senate Vote, Nov 3, 1987,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/100-S-363/to-amend-s-1293-the-independent-counsel-law-to (accessed 2026-10-17).