To pass S. 1946, to provide railroads with more pricing rate flexibility and contract provisions. (motion passed)

On Apr 1, 1980, the Senate voted 91–4 (S 1946). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 53–2, Republicans 38–2, Independents 1–0. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 4 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: 91
No: 4
Did not vote: 5
Date: Apr 1, 1980

By party

Democrats53 yes · 2 no · 4 didn’t vote
Republicans38 yes · 2 no · 1 didn’t vote
Independents1 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

Edmund Sixtus Muskie D-ME voted no
William Sebastian Cohen R-ME voted no
John Melcher D-MT voted no
Milton Ruben Young R-ND voted no

The bill

S. 1946: A bill to reform the economic regulation of railroads, 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 pass S. 1946, to provide railroads with…: Senate Vote, Apr 1, 1980,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/96-S-580/to-pass-s-1946-to-provide-railroads-with-more (accessed 2026-10-17).