The Honorable Jeremiah Andrew Denton, Jr.
United States Senator
Republican of Alabama
January 2, 1981-January 2, 1987
Accomplishments In The United States Senate
(Listed are just a few of the many pieces of legislation authored and sponsored by Senator Denton)


Providing for the Common Defense. Denton authored provisions of federal law granting the President authority, without a Declaration of War or National Emergency, to mobilize up to 200,000 members of Reserve Component forces in order to respond to a situation posing a threat to the national defense.

Securing the Blessings of Liberty. Denton authored the only successful piece of major federal law to respond to the 1964 Supreme Court ban on prayer in public schools. The Denton Equal Access Act allows students at least the opportunity, during extracurricular periods, to meet voluntarily for fellowship, to read the Bible, and to pray together.

Fighting Terrorism. As Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Security and Terrorism, Denton authored several major pieces of anti-terrorism legislation and regulations, including The Nuclear Anti-Terrorism Act. Which improves security at nuclear plants by allowing management access to federal criminal record history; Foreign Agents Registration Amendments requiring all Foreign nationals of Communist-bloc countries to register their presence in the U.S.; improvements to the Attorney General’s Domestic Security Guidelines; and codifying the Montreal Convention on Aircraft Sabotage and the U.N. Convention on Hostage-taking into the U.S. law.

Restoring Traditional Values. The Denton Adolescent Family Life Act was a milestone in federal health and welfare legislation. Reversing the trend of the experiences and failed programs of two decades, the Act provides prevention education services for no-pregnant teenagers, and special care for pregnant teenagers. In stark contrast to other federal programs, parental consent is required, and family involvement is promoted. Encouraging adoption and a prohibition on abortion counseling are key features of the Act.

Caring for Mankind. Denton authored major provisions of federal law to allow the U.S. military to transport humanitarian relief supplies on a space-available basis on military aircraft at no expense to the private donor. Initially adopted to cover only Central America, the program was so successful after only a few months that Congress unanimously expanded coverage world-wide.

Showing Compassion for Children. The Denton Amerasian Children’s Act created a special preference under U.S. immigration laws for the sons and daughters of U.S. citizens born after 1950 in the countries of Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. Since implementation of the Act in 1983, hundreds of persons have been granted the special preference and are well on their way to becoming productive U.S. citizens.

Ensuring Domestic Tranquility. Denton authored provisions of major new federal laws to protect America’s families and children including the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment, and Adoption Reform Act; the Child Victim Witness Protection Act (to protect children who are victims of child abuse); Juvenile Justice, Runaway Youth and Missing Children’s Act; The Indian Child Molestation Prevention Act; The Children’s Justice Act; The Child Support Protection Act (which prohibits the discharge in bankruptcy of child support obligations). Denton wrote and successfully floor-managed Reauthorizations of the Older Americans Act.

Saving the Tenn-Tom. At a crucial time for the completion of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Denton brought to Alabama key Senators who had opposed the Waterway in previous Senate action—including the Chairman of the powerful Senate Budget Committee, and the Chairman of the Senate Resources Subcommittee, convinced them to change their positions, and ensured the necessary Congressional authorization and funding for the final phase of the project.

Homeporting the Navy in Alabama. Denton played a key role in Congressional approval for homeporting, pitting himself against other powerful Senators who disfavored the plan or wanted the ships for their own States. The homeporting plan finally adopted is scheduled to bring seven Navy ships to Mobile by 1993.

Establishing Justice. During his Congressional tenure, the Senate confirmed four nominees for the federal bench in Alabama that Denton had recommended to the President.

Bringing Home Foreign Trade. Denton led several trades missions to the Republic of China, and secured millions of dollars in new contracts and hundreds of new jobs for Alabama industry and agriculture.

Promoting the General Welfare. Denton established and chaired the Senate Caucus on the Family, with a membership of 16 Democrat and 25 Republican Senators.