On sustaining, the decision of the chair, made during consideration of a motion to go into executive session, that the Senate go into secret session for conside

On Mar 27, 1854, the Senate voted 29–9. Result: passed. By party: Democrats 20–7, Others 9–2. 7 members voted against their own party.

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

Yes: 29
No: 9
Did not vote: 32
Date: Mar 27, 1854

By party

Democrats20 yes · 7 no · 15 didn’t vote
Others9 yes · 2 no · 17 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Augustus Caesar Dodge D-IA voted no
George Wallace Jones D-IA voted no
James Shields D-IL voted no
Stephen Arnold Douglas D-IL voted no
John Pettit D-IN voted no
Albert Gallatin Brown D-MS voted no
Isaac Pigeon Walker D-WI voted no

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 sustaining, the decision of the chair…: Senate Vote, Mar 27, 1854,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/33-S-65/on-sustaining-the-decision-of-the-chair-made-during (accessed 2026-10-17).