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Senators Voting from their Desks


Prior to 1984 there was no rule or precedent requiring a senator to vote from his or her desk, although this practice had been used on occasion. In 1984, S.Res. 480 passed the Senate, establishing this requirement by standing rule. Although this requirement has been in place since 1984, senators typically do not vote from their seats. On certain occasions, however, the majority leader has requested senators to follow this order, because it provided for a quick or orderly vote, or because of the symbolic importance of the vote.

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Jun 27, 2013  

Vote on S.744, Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill.


Mar 22, 2013

As part of a vote-arama on S.Con.Res. 8, the Budget Resolution, conducted on the legislative day of March 22, senators were requested to take their seats and vote from their desks. This request came around 3:00 a.m. on March 23.


Dec 4, 2012

Vote on Resolution of Ratification to the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (Treaty Doc.: 112-7)


May 3, 2011

Vote on S.Res.159, a resolution commending troops and intelligence community for killing of Osama Bin Laden.


Dec 8, 2010

Vote on impeachment articles against Judge Thomas Porteous. (H.Res. 1031)


Aug 5, 2010

Vote on the confirmation of Justice Elena Kagan.


Mar 25, 2010

Final vote on Reconciliation Bill (Health Care Reform), H.R. 4872.


Dec 24, 2009

H.R. 3590—Health Care bill.


Dec 21, 2009

Cloture motion on Reid's Amdt 3276 to Amdt 2786 to H.R. 3590 Health Care bill.


Nov 21, 2009

Cloture motion on motion to proceed to H.R. 3590, Health Care bill.


Aug 6, 2009

Vote on confirmation of Justice Sonia Sotomayor.


Oct 1, 2008

H.R. 1424—Bailout Bill


Jul 18, 2007

Cloture motion on Levin-Reed Amendment 2087 on H.R. 1585, Defense Authorization.


Jan 31, 2006

Vote on confirmation of Justice Samuel Alito.


Sep 29, 2005

Vote on confirmation of Chief Justice John Roberts.


Jun 9, 2004

S.Res. 373, a resolution relative to the death of President Ronald Reagan.


May 8, 2003

NATO expansion treaty ratification (Treaty Doc 108-4)


Feb 5, 2003

S.Res. 45—Honoring the Columbia Space Shuttle Astronauts.


Jun 26, 2002

S.Res. 292, a resolution to express support for the Pledge of Allegiance.


Sep 14, 2001

S.1426, a bill making emergency supplemental appropriations for additional disaster assistance, for anti-terrorism initiatives, and for assistance in the recovery from the tragedy that occurred on September 11, 2001.


Sep 12, 2001

S.J.Res. 22, a joint resolution expressing the sense of the Senate and House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001.


Feb 12, 1999

Vote on articles of impeachment against President William Clinton. (H.Res. 611)


Apr 30, 1998

Resolution of approval for ratification of NATO expansion treaty. (Treaty Doc.: 105-36)


Mar 4, 1997

S.J.Res. 1, Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment.


Mar 2, 1995

H.J.Res. 1, Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment.


Aug 3, 1993

Vote on confirmation of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.


Oct 15, 1991

Vote on confirmation of Justice Clarence Thomas.


Jan 12, 1991

S.J.Res. 2— Resolution on use of force against Iraq.


Nov 3, 1989

Vote on articles of impeachment against Judge Walter Nixon.


Oct 20, 1989

Vote on articles of impeachment against Judge Alcee Hastings.


Oct 2, 1986

Override of President Reagan's veto of South Africa sanctions bill (H.R. 4868)


Mar 16, 1978

Vote on resolution of approval to ratify the neutrality treaty, first of two Panama Canal Treaties. (Treaty 95-14(B))


U.S. Senate Historical Office, 2013