Unlike the lex Gabinia of the previous year, which had been almost universally opposed in the Senate, Manilius' proposal was supported by many senators and several eminent ex-consuls. These included Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus (consul 79 BC), Gaius Scribonius Curio, Gaius Cassius Longinus Varus (consul 73 BC), and Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Clodianus (consul 72 BC).
Unlike the Lex Gabinia of the previous year, which had been met with strong opposition in the Senate, Manilius' proposal was supported by many senators and several prominent former consuls. These included Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus (consul 79 BC), Gaius Scribonius Curio, Gaius Cassius Longinus Varus (consul 73 BC), and Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Clodianus (consul 72 BC).