On passage, of the bill S. 60, (2-17-55), authorizing the construction of a line of telegraph from the mississippi river to the pacific ocean. (p. 1681-2)

On Jul 11, 1854, the Senate voted 20–19 (S 60). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 11–15, Others 9–4. 11 members voted against their own party.

During the 33rd Congress (1853–1854), Franklin Pierce was president.

Yes: 20
No: 19
Did not vote: 31
Date: Jul 11, 1854

By party

Democrats11 yes · 15 no · 16 didn’t vote
Others9 yes · 4 no · 15 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

John B. Weller D-CA voted yes
William McKendree Gwin D-CA voted yes
George Wallace Jones D-IA voted yes
James Shields D-IL voted yes
Stephen Arnold Douglas D-IL voted yes
Hannibal Hamlin D-ME voted yes
Charles Edward Stuart D-MI voted yes
Philip Allen D-RI voted yes
Samuel Houston D-TX voted yes
Thomas Jefferson Rusk D-TX voted yes
Henry Dodge D-WI voted yes

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, “On passage, of the bill S. 60, (2-17-55)…: Senate Vote, Jul 11, 1854,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/33-S-192/on-passage-of-the-bill-s-60-2-17 (accessed 2026-10-17).