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Biography
Richard Schultz Schweiker (June 1, 1926, Norristown, Pennsylvania – July 31, 2015, Pomona, New Jersey), Republican.
Richard S. Schweiker represented Pennsylvania's 13th District in the U.S. House (1961–1969) and the state at large in the U.S. Senate (1969–1981), then served as the 14th U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Reagan (1981–1983). He began his career as a moderate Rockefeller Republican and grew steadily more conservative after Reagan named him his preemptive running mate ahead of the 1976 Republican National Convention — an alliance told in full on the Deep Dives tab. The complete chronological record, including his Senate Intelligence Committee work reviewing the original JFK assassination investigation, is on the Timeline tab.
As Secretary, he spent much of his two years defending the department's budget against the administration's own proposed cuts, and his name went on the 1981 Social Security proposal Congress rejected. The more lasting record is quieter: the plan that became Medicare's prospective payment system for hospitals, the Medicaid waiver that let Katie Beckett be cared for at home and became a national option for disabled children, and the first federal tamper-resistant packaging rules after the Tylenol murders. The full account is the "Two Years at HHS" Deep Dive; the regulations he signed and the lawsuits brought against the department have their own pages, HHS Regulations and HHS Litigation.
Claire Schweiker
His wife, Claire Joan Coleman Schweiker, was a Philadelphia native and the valedictorian of her high school class. Before their 1955 marriage, she was the original "Miss Claire" on Romper Room, the pioneering children's educational program then broadcasting out of Philadelphia — one of the show's earliest hostesses, from 1954 to 1956 — and gave it up after she and Richard met and married six months later. Raised, like her husband, in what she called a "strictly Pennsylvania Dutch family that stressed values and service," she would later say the two of them "see our primary purpose in life as serving God."
A 1953 radio and television broadcasting graduate of Temple University — later the first recipient of the school's Alumni in the Media award and a member of its hall of fame — she moved to Washington after her husband's election to the House in 1960. She gave speeches on public service, health, and faith into the early 1990s, served as vice chairman of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Ball, and was a former president of the District's Republican Wives Club, alongside memberships in the International Club of Washington, the Senate Wives Club, and the Senate Ladies Red Cross Unit. In September 1981, The Washington Dossier put the couple on its cover for a profile titled "For a Healthy America."
Claire Schweiker died April 28, 2013, of respiratory failure at Inova Loudoun Hospital in Leesburg, Virginia, at age 81 — survived by her husband of 57 years, their five children, a sister, and 23 grandchildren.
Legacy: How His Story Gets Retold
His 1976 selection remains the standard historical reference point whenever a presidential candidate considers naming a running mate before securing the nomination. This is a representative sample of that recurring coverage, not an exhaustive news archive.
Contemporary coverage calling Reagan's move "one of the most astonishing and bizarre turnabouts in a campaign full of surprises" after it failed to swing the nomination.
Read it →When Ted Cruz named Carly Fiorina his running mate before the 2016 nomination was decided, outlets across the board cited the Reagan-Schweiker gambit as the direct historical precedent — and the cautionary tale, since it failed both times.
Read it →A Trump-era retrospective using the 1976 episode as the history lesson for modern speculation about unconventional running-mate strategy.
Read it →Authored Works
Three works he wrote or contributed to, drawn from Wikipedia's own bibliography for him.
An early, detailed case for shifting the United States to an all-volunteer military, later used as a blueprint for the actual transition.
Written the same year as the Church Committee's review of the original Kennedy assassination investigation.
A chapter-length statement of his health-policy views, published the year before he became HHS Secretary.
- Richard Schweiker — Wikipedia
- Congress.gov member record (S000159)
- U.S. House of Representatives, History, Art & Archives
- Miller Center — Richard Schweiker (1981–1983)
- GovTrack.us member profile
- Social Security Administration — History
- American Olean — "The AO Story" (Franklin Tile Company founding and history)
- Washington Post, Aug. 3 2015 — "Richard Schweiker, former congressman, senator and Reagan Cabinet secretary, dies at 89" (Emily Langer)
- Washington Post, May 21 2013 — "Claire J. Schweiker, 'Romper Room' hostess, wife of U.S. politician" (Megan McDonough)
- The Washington Dossier, September 1981 — "For a Healthy America" (cover) and "Looking After the Nation's Welfare: Richard and Claire Schweiker" (Don Oldenburg)
Home Life & Career
Timeline
His life and career year by year, from Norristown and the Navy through Congress, the 1976 campaign, HHS and after.
Sources are cited with each entry.
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Home Life & Career
Deep Dives
Long-form, sourced narratives on the chapters of his career that need more than a timeline entry.
Sources and notes follow each piece.
Home Life & Career
Connections
The presidents, senators and other public figures whose careers crossed his, and what the record shows they did together.
Sources: Congress.gov, Voteview.com (UCLA), and this archive's news collection.
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Home In Congress
Topics
Everything on the site about one subject, from bills and floor speeches to archive folders.
Congress.gov policy areas and Penn State's folder categories.
Legislation, floor-record mentions, and archive folders grouped by subject, drawn from Congress.gov's own policy-area tags and the archive's folder categories rather than a separately curated list. Select a topic to view everything on this site connected to it.
Home In Congress
Legislation
The bills he sponsored and cosponsored in the House and Senate, 1961–1980.
Sources: Congress.gov (Library of Congress), with House-years bills from the Congressional Record.
Congress.gov's bill database reliably covers 1973 (the 93rd Congress) onward; his House years (1961–1969) are represented unevenly as a result. Bills marked from the floor record were identified instead through the Congressional Record's bill-introduction announcements for that period — they carry no committee, cosponsor, or related-bill data, but supplement the earlier record. The Speeches page covers the remainder of that period. Select any bill to view its details.
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Home At HHS
HHS Regulations
The Federal Register documents he signed or approved as Secretary of Health and Human Services, 1981–1983.
Source: the Library of Congress's scans of the Federal Register.
Every Federal Register Document Bearing His Signature
| Published | Type | Title | Agency | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Home At HHS
HHS Litigation
Published court opinions captioned with his name, as every case against the department was while he was Secretary.
Source: the Caselaw Access Project, Harvard Law School Library.
Published Court Opinions Naming Him as a Party
| Decided | Case | Court | Subjects | Influence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Home In Congress
Voting Record
Every recorded roll-call vote he cast: House 1961–1969, Senate 1969–1981.
Source: Voteview.com (UCLA).
| Date | Chamber | Bill | Description | His Vote | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980-12-15 | Senate | — | TO TABLE CHILES AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 644, MAKING FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL 1981, THAT WOULD HAVE PROVIDED THAT THE AMOUNT FOR THE POSTAL SERVICE SHALL BE (CONTINUED) $1.25 BILLION. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 42 | Not Voting | Passed (29-22, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-15 | Senate | — | TO TABLE JEPSEN AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 644, THAT WOULD HAVE PROVIDED THAT NONE OF THE FUNDS IN THE JOINT RESOLUTION SHALL BE OBLIGATED OR EXPENDED TO PROMULGATE OR ENFORCE ANY REGULATION PROMULGATED OR MADE EFFECTIVE DURING THE PERIOD 12/15/80 THROUGH 3/20/81 BY ANY DEPARTMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OR OTHER AGENCY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 42 | Not Voting | Passed (34-19, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-15 | Senate | — | TO TABLE BELLMON AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 644, THAT WOULD HAVE PROVIDED THAT, FOR THE PAYMENT TO THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT REIMBURSABLE FOR THE SUBSIDY FOR FISCAL YEAR 1981 COSTS SHALL NOT EXCEED $350 MILLION. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 42 | Not Voting | Passed (39-14, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-15 | Senate | — | TO CONCUR IN THE HOUSE AMENDMENT TO THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 644. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 42 | Not Voting | Passed (34-20, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-13 | Senate | S.RES. 562 | TO AGREE TO S. RES. 562, OPPOSING ANY ATTEMPTS BY THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS THE POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE, TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY, OR BASIC SOVEREIGNTY OF POLAND. (MOTION PASSED) | Not Voting | Passed (68-0, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-13 | Senate | — | (CONTINUED) TO ADOPT THE CONFERENCE REPORT ON H. J. RES. 637. (MOTION FAILED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Yea | Failed (14-57, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-13 | Senate | — | TO RECONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE CONFERENCE REPORT ON H. J. RES. 637. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Yea | Passed (41-29, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-13 | Senate | — | TO CONCUR IN THE HOUSE AMENDMENT TO SENATE AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 637, BY RESTORING THE SALARY PAY CAP LIMITATIONS FOR EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE, AND JUDICIAL EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Nay | Passed (62-8, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-12 | Senate | — | TO TABLE RIEGLE AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 636, INCREASING THE TEMPORARY LIMIT ON THE PUBLIC DEBT TO $956 BILLION THROUGH 3/31/81, BY AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS TO LIMIT THE IMPORTATION OF AUTOMOBILES AND TRUCKS INTO THE UNITED STATES. (MOTION FAILED) | Nay | Failed (12-65, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-11 | Senate | — | TO TABLE ARMSTRONG AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 637 THAT ADDS A NEW SECTION TO (1) REDUCE BY 4.7% EACH SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION PROVIDED BY THE RESOLUTION; (2) IN THE CASE OF PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES CONTINUED AT A RATE ESTABLISHED IN THE RESOLUTION, REDUCE THE RATE 4.7% AND (3) RESCIND BY 4.7% ALL AMOUNTS APPROPRIATED IN ANY OTHER BILL PROVIDING APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL 1981 THAT (A) NO REDUCTION WOULD BE MADE FOR PAYMENTS WHICH ARE OBLIGATED, (B) NO REDUCTION WOULD BE MADE IN APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND (C) BUDGET OUTLAYS PROVIDED BY THE RESOLUTION, WHEN ADDED TO BUDGET OUTLAYS OF OTHER ACTS, SHALL NOT EXCEED TOTAL BUDGET OUTLAYS CONTAINED IN THE SECOND BUDGET RESOLUTION. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Not Voting | Passed (45-42, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-11 | Senate | — | TO TABLE HELMS AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 637 THAT PROHIBITS USE OF FUNDS UNDER THE RESOLUTION TO PROMULGATE PROPOSED REGULATIONS AS FINAL REGULATIONS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Not Voting | Passed (54-30, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-11 | Senate | — | TO AMEND H. J. RES. 637 BY PROVIDING THAT PRIOR TO JUNE 1, 1981, NONE OF THE FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE BY THE RESOLUTION MAY BE USED BY U.S. POSTAL SERVICE TO IMPLEMENT A 9 DIGIT ZIP CODE SYSTEM. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Yea | Passed (90-0, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-11 | Senate | — | TO APPEAL THE RULING OF THE CHAIR SUSTAINING A MCGOVERN POINT OF ORDER AGAINST A COMMITTEE AMENDMENT REFERRING TO LEGISLATION TO AN APPROPRIATIONS BILL. (MOTION PASSED; THE CHAIR WAS OVERRULED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Nay | Failed (25-57, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-11 | Senate | — | TO AMEND H. J. RES. 637 BY PROVIDING $605 MILLION OF NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY FOR CETA. (MOTION FAILED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Nay | Failed (28-54, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-11 | Senate | — | TO TABLE HATFIELD AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 637 THAT PROVIDED $100 FOR EACH AMERICAN HOSTAGE IN IRAN FOR EACH DAY OF CAPTIVITY. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Nay | Passed (44-35, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-11 | Senate | — | TO AMEND H. J. RES. 637 BY STRIKING SECTION 140. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Yea | Passed (54-24, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-11 | Senate | — | TO PASS H. J. RES. 637. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Yea | Passed (56-22, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-10 | Senate | — | TO AMEND H. J. RES. 637, FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS, BY CONTINUING IN EFFECT A SALARY PAY CAP LIMITATION FOR EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE, AND JUDICIAL EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 1981. (MOTION PASSED) | Nay | Passed (69-21, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-10 | Senate | — | TO TABLE SASSER AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 637 THAT WOULD REDUCE THE BUDGET FOR THE SENATE FOR FISCAL 1981 BY 15% BELOW THE FISCAL 1980 LEVEL. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Yea | Passed (56-34, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-10 | Senate | — | TO AMEND H. J. RES. 637 BY PROVIDING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR GRANTS TO NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGERS CORP. FOR OPERATING EXPENSES. (MOTION FAILED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Yea | Failed (43-46, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-10 | Senate | — | TO TABLE WILLIAMS AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 637 THAT ELIMINATED ALL REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE FARM LABOR CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION ACT. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Yea | Passed (46-41, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-10 | Senate | — | (CONTINUED) TO AGREE TO COMMITTEE AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 637 THAT PROHIBITS USE OF FUNDS TO ENFORCE THE FARM LABOR CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION ACT IN WAYS AS SPECIFIED (SECTION 166). (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (47-41, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-10 | Senate | — | TO AGREE TO COMMITTEE AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 637, FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS, THAT RELATES TO SEVERANCE PAY TO DISPLACED SENATE STAFF MEMBERS (SECTION 155). (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (44-43, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-10 | Senate | — | TO AGREE TO COMMITTEE AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 637, FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS, THAT ALLOWS SENATORS TO TRANSFER ANY REMAINING BALANCES IN THE CLERK HIRE ALLOWANCE TO THEIR OFFICIAL OFFICE EXPENSE ACCOUNT (SECTION 154) (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Yea | Passed (64-19, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-10 | Senate | — | TO TABLE COMMITTEE AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 637, FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS, THAT PROVIDED THAT FUNDS MAY BE USED FOR NECESSARY EXPENSES IN DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION IN CERTAIN CASES (SECTION 134) (MOTION PASSED) (CONTINUED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Yea | Passed (43-34, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-10 | Senate | — | TO AGREE TO COMMITTEE AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 637 THAT PROHIBITS USE OF FUNDS AFTER JANUARY 31, 1981 BY THE MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION TO PRESCRIBE, ISSUE, ADMINISTER, OR ENFORCE ANY STANDARD RULE OR ORDER WITH RESPECT TO ANY PERSON ENGAGED IN SURFACE MINING OF STONE, COLLOIDAL PHOSPHATE, SAND, GRAVEL, OR CLAY OTHER THAN BRICK CLAY (SECTION 167) (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 41 | Yea | Passed (44-35, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-09 | Senate | H.R. 5200 | TO INVOKE CLOTURE, ENDING DEBATE ON H.R. 5200, FAIR HOUSING AMENDMENTS. (MOTION FAILED; 3/5 REQUIRED) | Nay | Passed (54-43, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-09 | Senate | — | TO INVOKE CLOTURE, ENDING DEBATE ON THE NOMINATION OF STEPHEN G. BREYER TO BE U.S. CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE FIRST CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS. (MOTION PASSED; 3/5 REQUIRED) | Yea | Passed (68-28, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-09 | Senate | — | TO CONFIRM THE NOMINATION OF STEPHEN G. BREYER TO BE U.S. CIRCUIT JUDGE. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (80-10, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-09 | Senate | H.R. 7112 | TO AMEND H.R. 7112, REVENUE SHARING, BY AUTHORIZING A COUNTERCYLICAL STANDBY FISCAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS DURING PERIODS OF ECONOMIC RECESSION. (MOTION FAILED) | Nay | Failed (24-68, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-09 | Senate | H.R. 7112 | TO TABLE EXON AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7112, REVENUE SHARING, THAT PROVIDED FOR A PILOT PROGRAM UNDER WHICH FIVE STATES WOULD RECEIVE A STATE GOVERNMENT ALLOCATION EQUAL TO THE AMOUNT OF THE REDUCTION IN CATEGORICAL GRANTS ELECTED BY THEM. (MOTION FAILED) | Nay | Failed (44-49, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-09 | Senate | H.R. 7112 | TO TABLE MITCHELL AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7112, REVENUE SHARING, THAT AUTHORIZED $2.3 MILLION DURING THE ENTITLEMENT PERIOD BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1980 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1981, TO THE TRUST FUND FOR PAYMENTS TO STATE GOVERNMENTS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (47-44, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-09 | Senate | — | TO TABLE MITCHELL MOTION TO RECONSIDER THE VOTE ON RC 516. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (46-45, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-09 | Senate | H.R. 7112 | TO AMEND H.R. 7112, REVENUE SHARING, BY ELIMINATING THE NONENTITLEMENT ALLOCATIONS TO STATE GOVERNMENTS. (MOTION (CONTINUED) FAILED) | Nay | Failed (26-56, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-09 | Senate | H.R. 7112 | TO AMEND H.R. 7112, REVENUE SHARING, BY AMENDING THE WALSH-HEALEY ACT AND THE CONTRACT WORK HOURS STANDARDS ACT TO PERMIT CERTAIN EMPLOYEES TO WORK A TEN HOUR DAY IN THE CASE OF A FOUR DAY WORK WEEK. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (43-38, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-09 | Senate | H.R. 7112 | TO PASS H.R. 7112, PROVIDING FISCAL ASSISTANCE (REVENUE SHARING) TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (80-3, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-05 | Senate | — | TO INSTRUCT THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS TO REQUEST THE ATTENDANCE OF ABSENT SENATORS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (78-5, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-05 | Senate | H.R. 5200 | TO TABLE JEPSEN MOTION TO EXTEND BY 50 HOURS DEBATE UNDER CLOTURE ON H.R. 5200, FAIR HOUSING AMENDMENTS. (MOTION PASSED) | Nay | Passed (61-29, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-05 | Senate | H.R. 8105 | TO AGREE TO THE CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 8105, DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (73-1, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-04 | Senate | — | TO DIRECT THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS TO REQUEST THE ATTENDANCE OF ABSENT SENATORS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (85-3, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-04 | Senate | H.R. 5200 | TO INVOKE CLOTURE, ENDING DEBATE ON H.R. 5200, FAIR HOUSING AMENDMENTS. (MOTION PASSED; 3/5 REQUIRED) | Nay | Passed (62-32, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-04 | Senate | — | TO DIRECT THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS TO REQUEST THE ATTENDANCE OF ABSENT SENATORS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (85-3, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-04 | Senate | H.R. 5200 | TO TABLE MOTION TO PROCEED TO CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5200, FAIR HOUSING AMENDMENTS. (MOTION FAILED) | Yea | Failed (30-61, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-04 | Senate | — | TO TABLE HATCH MOTION TO RECONSIDER THE VOTE ON RC 506. (MOTION PASSED) | Nay | Passed (61-31, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-03 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO TABLE HELMS AMENDMENT TO WEICKER AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7584, STATE-JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS, THAT PROVIDED THAT NOTHING IN THE ACT SHALL BE INTERPRETED TO LIMIT IN ANY MANNER THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE IN ENFORCING THE U.S. CONSTITUTION NOR SHALL ANYTHING IN THE ACT BE INTERPRETED TO MODIFY OR DIMINSH THE AUTHORITY OF THE COURTS TO ENFORCE FULLY THE (CONTINUED) CONSTITUTION. THE HELMS AMENDMENT EXCEPTED SECTION 607, REFERRING TO COURT ORDERED BUSING. (MOTION PASSED) | Not Voting | Passed (45-44, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-03 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO AMEND WEICKER AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7584, STATE-JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS, BY PROVIDING THAT NONE OF THE LANGUAGE IN SECTION 607 SHALL BE INTERPRETED TO MODIFY THE INTENT OF THE CONGRESS AS EXPRESSED IN THIS SECTION. SEE RC 497. (MOTION PASSED) | Not Voting | Passed (46-43, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-03 | Senate | H.R. 6942 | TO AGREE TO THE CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 6942, AUTHORIZING FUNDS FOR FISCAL 1981 FOR FOREIGN DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING FISCAL 1981 FUNDING FOR THE PEACE CORPS. (MOTION PASSED) | Not Voting | Passed (58-26, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-03 | Senate | H.R. 5200 | TO INVOKE CLOTURE, ENDING DEBATE ON BYRD MOTION TO PROCEED TO THE CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5200, FAIR HOUSING AMENDMENTS. (MOTION FAILED; 3/5 REQUIRED) | Not Voting | Passed (51-39, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-03 | Senate | H.R. 8388 | TO PASS H.R. 8388, AUTHORIZING $50 MILLION IN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF ASSISTANCE FOR SOUTHERN ITALY. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (88-0, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-03 | Senate | H.R. 7765 | (CONTINUED) TO AGREE TO THE CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 7765, BUDGET RECONCILIATION. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (83-4, derived from tally) |
| 1980-12-01 | Senate | — | TO INSTRUCT THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS TO REQUEST THE ATTENDANCE OF ABSENT SENATORS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (68-8, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-25 | Senate | — | TO TABLE BAKER APPEAL OF CHAIR'S RULING THAT A POINT OF ORDER REGARDING BYRD MOTION TO PROCEED TO CONSIDER THE NOMINATION OF STEPHEN G. BREYER TO BE U.S. CIRCUIT JUDGE WAS NOT DEBATABLE SINCE THE PRIMARY MOTION TO PROCEED WAS NOT DEBATABLE. (MOTION PASSED) | Nay | Passed (40-37, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-25 | Senate | — | TO RECESS UNTIL DECEMBER 1, 1980. (MOTION FAILED) | Yea | Failed (21-57, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-25 | Senate | H.R. 7591 | TO RECONSIDER THE VOTE ON RC 486 ON H.R. 7591. (MOTION FAILED) | Nay | Failed (20-62, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-25 | Senate | — | TO RECESS UNTIL 3 P.M. (MOTION FAILED) | Yea | Failed (21-59, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-25 | Senate | H.R. 7591 | TO AMEND H.R. 7591, FISCAL 1981 APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BY REDUCING THE FOOD FOR PEACE PROGRAM BY $100 MILLION, A REDUCTION OF $50 MILLION EACH FOR CONCESSIONAL SALES AND DONATIONS. (MOTION FAILED) | Yea | Failed (21-61, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-25 | Senate | H.R. 7591 | TO APPEAL A RULING OF THE CHAIR SUSTAINING METZENBAUM POINT OF ORDER THAT MCCLURE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7591 WAS LEGISLATION ON AN APPROPRIATIONS BILL AND NOT IN ORDER. SEE RC 491. (MOTION PASSED; CHAIR WAS OVERRULED) | Nay | Failed (33-49, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-25 | Senate | H.R. 7591 | TO AMEND H.R. 7591, AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS, BY PROVIDING THAT, IN ADDITION TO FUNDS PROVIDED IN THE ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, THE SUM OF $17,526,000 APPROPRIATED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES ACT, 1981, BE TRANSFERRED AND MERGED WITH THIS APPROPRIATION TO CARRY OUT THE AUTHORITIES VESTED IN THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH FUNCTIONS RELATE TO RESEARCH AND CONTROL OF MIGRATORY WATERFOWL DEPREDATIONS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (53-29, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-25 | Senate | H.R. 7591 | TO AMEND H.R. 7591, AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS, BY INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATING FUNDS FOR THE FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE CORPORATION. (MOTION FAILED) | Nay | Failed (38-44, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-25 | Senate | H.R. 7591 | TO AMEND H.R. 7591, AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS, BY PROVIDING THAT NONE OF THE FUNDS IN THE BILL SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO PAY THE EXPENSES OF (1) PARTIES INTERVENING IN ANY REGULATORY PROCEEDING, OR (2) ANY PERSON ACTING AS A WITNESS OR ADVISOR ON BEHALF OF ANY ORGANIZATION APPEARING BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION, OR THE FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION. (MOTION FAILED) | Yea | Failed (36-38, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-25 | Senate | H.R. 7591 | TO AMEND H.R. 7591, AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS, BY PROVIDING THAT NONE OF THE FUNDS APPROPRIATED IN THIS BILL MAY BE USED FOR AN OFFICE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS AS DIRECTED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER 12160. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (39-32, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-25 | Senate | H.R. 7591 | TO PASS H.R. 7591, FISCAL 1981 AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (58-11, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-24 | Senate | H.R. 7020 | TO AGREE TO A SUBSTITUTE TO H.R. 7020, HAZARDOUS WASTE, THAT PROVIDES $1.6 BILLION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP OF HAZARDOUS WASTES. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (78-9, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-21 | Senate | H.R. 8105 | TO AMEND H.R. 8105, FISCAL 1981 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS, BY PROVIDING FUNDS FOR THE REACTIVATION OF THE U.S.S. NEW JERSEY. (MOTION FAILED) | Yea | Failed (36-39, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-21 | Senate | H.R. 8105 | TO TABLE STENNIS MOTION TO RECONSIDER RC 479 ON H.R. 8105, DOD APPROPRIATIONS. (MOTION PASSED) | Nay | Passed (41-36, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-21 | Senate | H.R. 8105 | TO AMEND H.R. 8105, DOD APPROPRIATIONS, BY DECREASING FUNDS FOR AIR FORCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. (MOTION FAILED) | Nay | Failed (12-65, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-21 | Senate | H.R. 8105 | TO AMEND H.R. 8105, DOD APPROPRIATIONS, BY RESTORING $200 MILLION TO THE MILITARY PERSONNEL ACCOUNT. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (65-9, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-21 | Senate | H.R. 8105 | (CONTINUED) TO PASS H.R. 8105, FISCAL 1981 APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (73-1, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-20 | Senate | — | TO INSTRUCT THE SERGEANT-AT-ARMS TO REQUEST THE ATTENDANCE OF ABSENT SENATORS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (75-5, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-20 | Senate | S. 1480 | TO TABLE BYRD MOTION TO PROCEED TO CONSIDERATION OF S. 1480, FISCAL 1981-1986 FUNDING AUTHORIZATION TO PROVIDE FOR THE SAFE AND ADEQUATE TREATMENT OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES RELEASED INTO THE ENVIRONMENT. (MOTION FAILED) | Yea | Failed (29-50, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-20 | Senate | — | TO AGREE TO THE CONFERENCE REPORT ON H. CON. RES. 448, CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET RESOLUTION. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (50-38, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-19 | Senate | — | TO AGREE TO H. CON. RES. 448, REVISING THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR FISCAL YEARS (CONTINUED) 1981-1983, AFTER STRIKING ALL AFTER THE RESOLVING CLAUSE AND SUBSTITUTING IN LIEU THEREOF THE TEXT OF S. CON. RES. 119, CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET RESOLUTION. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (48-46, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-18 | Senate | — | TO TABLE PROXMIRE AMENDMENT TO S. CON. RES. 119, REVISING THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR FISCAL YEARS 1981-1983, THAT WOULD HAVE REDUCED THE BUDGETARY LEVELS FOR FISCAL YEARS BEGINNING ON OCTOBER 1, 1980, 1981 AND 1982 BY $21.9 BILLION. (MOTION PASSED) | Not Voting | Passed (72-18, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-18 | Senate | — | TO TABLE ROTH AMENDMENT TO H. CON. RES. 448, REVISING THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR FISCAL YEARS 1981-1983, THAT WOULD HAVE ADJUSTED THE REVENUE LEVEL IN THE BUDGET RESOLUTION TO ALLOW FOR A TAX CUT OF APPROXIMATELY $17 BILLION IN FISCAL 1981. (MOTION FAILED) | Nay | Failed (40-55, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-18 | Senate | — | TO AMEND H. CON. RES. 448, CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET RESOLUTION. SEE RC 473. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (58-36, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-17 | Senate | H.R. 7724 | TO PASS H.R. 7724, FISCAL 1981 INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (76-4, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-17 | Senate | H.R. 8061 | TO PASS H.R. 8061, FISCAL 1981 APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (70-17, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-17 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO PASS H.R. 7584, FISCAL 1981 APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, COMMERCE, AND THE JUDICIARY. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (51-35, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-14 | Senate | H.R. 7724 | TO TABLE PRESSLER AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7724, FISCAL 1981 APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR, THAT WOULD RESTORE FUNDS FOR THE RURAL FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAM TO THE FISCAL 1979 LEVEL. (MOTION FAILED) | Nay | Failed (19-55, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-14 | Senate | H.R. 7724 | TO TABLE METZENBAUM AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7724, INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS, THAT PROVIDED $45 MILLION TO CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THE URBAN PARK AND RECOVERY ACT. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (54-26, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-13 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO AMEND WEICKER AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7584, STATE-JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS, BY PROHIBITING THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FROM PROMOTING FORCED BUSING AS A REMEDY TO SCHOOL DESEGREGATION. SEE RC 464. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (42-38, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-13 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO RECOMMIT H.R. 7584, STATE-JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS, TO THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS. (MOTION FAILED) | Nay | Failed (11-73, derived from tally) |
| 1980-11-12 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO TABLE WEICKER AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7584, 1981 APPROPRIATIONS FOR DEPARTMENTS OF STATE, JUSTICE, COMMERCE, AND JUDICIARY, THAT WOULD PERMIT THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO INITITATE OR PARTICIPATE IN LITIGATION TO SECURE REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS (CONTINUED) OF THE FIFTH OR FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION. (MOTION FAILED) | Yea | Failed (34-46, derived from tally) |
| 1980-10-01 | Senate | — | TO PROCEED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE NOMINATION OF JOHN C. SAWHILL TO BE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE UNITED STATES SYNTHETIC FUELS CORPORATION. (MOTION PASSED) | Not Voting | Passed (52-33, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-30 | Senate | H.R. 7831 | TO ADOPT THE CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 7831, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (55-10, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-30 | Senate | S. 1946 | TO PROCEED TO THE CONSIDERATION OF A CONFERENCE REPORT ON S. 1946, PROVIDING RAILROADS WITH MORE PRICING RATE FLEXIBILITY AND CONTRACT PROVISIONS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (66-2, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-30 | Senate | S. 1946 | TO ADOPT THE CONFERENCE REPORT ON S. 1946, PROVIDING RAILROADS WITH MORE PRICING RATE FLEXIBILITY AND CONTRACT PROVISIONS. (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (61-8, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-30 | Senate | — | TO TABLE STEVENS AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 610, MAKING APPROPRIATIONS THROUGH 12/15/80, REAFFIRMING THE SENATES POSITION RELATIVE TO ABORTION. (MOTION FAILED) | Yea | Failed (28-38, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-29 | Senate | — | TO TABLE WEICKER AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 610, MAKING APPROPRIATIONS THROUGH 12/15/80, THAT PROVIDES THAT NO FUNDS BE USED TO PERFORM ABORTIONS EXCEPT WHERE THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER BE ENDANGERED, OR EXCEPT FOR SUCH MEDICAL PROCEDURES NECESSARY FOR VICTIMS OF RAPE OR INCEST WHEN IT HAD BEEN REPORTED PROMPTLY TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE. (MOTION FAILED) | Yea | Failed (34-45, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-29 | Senate | — | TO AMEND H. J. RES. 610, MAKING APPROPRIATIONS THROUGH 12/15/80, PROVIDING THA STATES REMAIN FREE NOT TO FUND ABORTIONS TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY IN THEIR SOLE DISCRETION DEEM APPROPRIATE, AND PROHIBITING PAYMENTS FOR DRUGS, DEVICES TO PREVENT IMPLANTATION OF THE FERTILIZED OVUM, OR FOR MEDICAL PROCEDURES NECESSARY FOR THE TERMINATION OF AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY. (MOTION PASSED) | Not Voting | Passed (47-37, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-29 | Senate | — | TO PASS H. J. RES. 610, MAKING APPROPRIATIONS THROUGH 12/15/80. (MOTION PASSED) | Not Voting | Passed (58-27, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-26 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO AMEND H.R. 7584, PROHIBITING THE USE OF FUNDS ENFORCING THE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY EXPORT EMBARGO TO THE USSR. (MOTION FAILED) SEE NOTE(S) 40 | Yea | Failed (40-41, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-26 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO TABLE HOLLINGS MOTION TO RECONSIDER PRESSLER AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7584. (SEE RC 449) (MOTION FAILED) SEE NOTE(S) 40 | Nay | Failed (39-43, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-26 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO RECONSIDER PRESSLER AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7584. (SEE RC 449) (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 40 | Yea | Passed (43-39, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-26 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO DETERMINE IF WEICKER AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7584, PREVENTING THE JUSTICE DEPT. FROM INITIATING OR PARTICIPATING IN LITIGATION TO SECURE REMEDIES FOR VIOLATION OF THE 5TH OR 14TH AMENDMENT TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION, IS GERMAINE. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 40 | Nay | Passed (51-27, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-26 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO TABLE WEICKER AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7584. (SEE RC 452) (MOTION FAILED) SEE NOTE(S) 40 | Yea | Failed (27-54, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-26 | Senate | — | TO TABLE CHILES AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 610, MAKING APPROPRIATIONS THROUGH 12/15/80, BY REDUCING CETA TITLE VI PUBLIC SERVICE JOBS BY THE END OF FISCAL 1981, AND INCREASING BY $200 MILLION FUNDING OF THE EXISTING YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM. (MOTION FAILED) | Nay | Failed (38-42, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-26 | Senate | — | TO TABLE MOTION TO RECONSIDER VOTE BY WHICH MOTION TO TABLE CHILES AMENDMENT TO H. J. RES. 610, MAKING APPROPRIATIONS THROUGH 12/15/80, WAS REJECTED. (SEE RC 454) (MOTION PASSED) | Yea | Passed (40-39, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-25 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO TABLE COMMITTEE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7584, STATE, JUSTICE, COMMERCE, AND JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL 1981, THAT INCREASES BY $1.5 MILLION FUNDS FOR SALARIES AND EXPENSES IN THE DEPT. OF COMMERCE. (MOTION FAILED) SEE NOTE(S) 40 | Nay | Failed (29-58, derived from tally) |
| 1980-09-25 | Senate | H.R. 7584 | TO TABLE COMMITTEE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 7584, DELETING LANGUAGE PROHIBITING LEGAL SERVICES ACTIVITIES ON BEHALF OF ILLEGAL ALIENS. (MOTION PASSED) SEE NOTE(S) 40 | Yea | Passed (48-38, derived from tally) |
Home In Congress
Speeches & Floor Record
His floor statements and other appearances in the Congressional Record, 1961–1983, with full transcripts where available.
Source: GovInfo.gov's digitized Congressional Record.
Full Floor Record
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In the News
Newspaper coverage that names him, 1955–1995.
Sources: The New York Times, Penn State's Pennsylvania Newspaper Archive, and the Library of Congress.
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Photographs
Public-domain photographs, and a guide to the photograph collection in his papers.
Sources: the U.S. Senate, the Library of Congress, the National Library of Medicine, and Penn State.
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Video & Audio
Footage of him from C-SPAN, the Reagan Library and documentaries about the Church Committee.
Sources: C-SPAN and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
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Home For Researchers
Archive Finder
A searchable guide to the boxes and folders of his papers at Penn State.
Source: Penn State's finding aid for the Richard S. Schweiker papers.
This site covers what is digitized and publicly searchable. For personal correspondence, internal drafts, press statements, and other material not represented elsewhere here, the primary source is the physical collection below. Search a topic to identify the box and folder that hold it, so a research visit can begin with a precise list rather than an open-ended search.
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