To begin consideration of S 837, minimum wage restoration, a bill to increase the minimum wage to $4.55 an hour over three years.

On Sep 15, 1988, the Senate voted 87–7 (S 837). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 50–1, Republicans 37–6. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 7 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: 87
No: 7
Did not vote: 7
Date: Sep 15, 1988

By party

Republicans37 yes · 6 no · 3 didn’t vote
Democrats50 yes · 1 no · 4 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

William Lester Armstrong R-CO voted no
Steven Douglas Symms R-ID voted no
Jesse Helms R-NC voted no
J. James Exon D-NE voted no
Gordon John Humphrey R-NH voted no
William Philip (Phil) Gramm R-TX voted no
Edwin Jacob (Jake) Garn R-UT 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 begin consideration of S 837, minimum…: Senate Vote, Sep 15, 1988,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/100-S-750/to-begin-consideration-of-s-837-minimum-wage-restoration (accessed 2026-10-17).