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Senate roll call 70 · 96th Congress · Apr 30, 1979

To pass S. 210, establishing a federal department of education. (motion passed)

On Apr 30, 1979, the Senate voted 72–21 (S 210). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 50–4, Republicans 24–16, Independents 0–1. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 20 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
72
No
21
Did not vote
6
Date
Apr 30, 1979

By party

  • Democrats50 yes · 4 no · 5 didn’t vote
  • Republicans24 yes · 16 no · 1 didn’t vote
  • Independents0 yes · 1 no

Who broke with their party

The bill

S. 210: A bill to establish a Department of Education.

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. 210, establishing a federal…: Senate Vote, Apr 30, 1979,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/96-S-70/to-pass-s-210-establishing-a-federal-department-of (accessed 2026-10-17).