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Senate roll call 388 · 96th Congress · Nov 6, 1979

To amend H.R. 5359, defense appropriations, by providing that no funds be appropriated for the performance of abortions except where the life of the mother woul

On Nov 6, 1979, the Senate voted 38–47 (HR 5359). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 15–34, Republicans 22–13, Independents 1–0. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 28 members voted against their own party.

During the 96th Congress (1979–1980), Jimmy Carter was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes
38
No
47
Did not vote
16
Date
Nov 6, 1979

By party

  • Democrats15 yes · 34 no · 10 didn’t vote
  • Republicans22 yes · 13 no · 6 didn’t vote
  • Independents1 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

The bill

H.R. 5359: A bill making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1980, and for other purposes.

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 H.R. 5359, defense appropriations…: Senate Vote, Nov 6, 1979,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/96-S-388/to-amend-h-r-5359-defense-appropriations-by-providing (accessed 2026-10-17).