For the establishment of a federal death penalty and for other purposes.

On Jun 20, 1991, the Senate voted 40–56 on “On the Amendment” (S 1241). Result: Amendment Rejected. By party: Democrats 2–52, Republicans 38–4. It was a party-line vote: most Democrats and most Republicans voted on opposite sides. 6 members voted against their own party.

During the 102nd Congress (1991–1992), George H. W. Bush was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Result: Amendment Rejected
Yes: 40
No: 56
Did not vote: 6
Date: Jun 20, 1991

By party

Republicans38 yes · 4 no · 2 didn’t vote
Democrats2 yes · 52 no · 4 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Richard C. Shelby D-AL voted yes
David Ferdinand Durenberger R-MN voted no
Warren Bruce Rudman R-NH voted no
John Hubbard Chafee R-RI voted no
Ernest Frederick (Fritz) Hollings D-SC voted yes
James Merrill Jeffords R-VT 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, “For the establishment of a federal death…: Senate Vote, Jun 20, 1991,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/102-S-103/for-the-establishment-of-a-federal-death-penalty-and (accessed 2026-10-17).