To amend motion relative to the contested election of james harlan of iowa to the Senate, by referring harlan's credentials to the committee on jusiciary.

On Dec 15, 1856, the Senate voted 31–13. Result: passed. By party: Democrats 18–8, Others 13–5. 8 members voted against their own party.

During the 34th Congress (1855–1856), Franklin Pierce was president.

Yes: 31
No: 13
Did not vote: 20
Date: Dec 15, 1856

By party

Democrats18 yes · 8 no · 13 didn’t vote
Others13 yes · 5 no · 6 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Clement Claiborne Clay Jr. D-AL voted no
Isaac Toucey D-CT voted no
James Asheton Bayard Jr. D-DE voted no
Alfred Iverson Sr. D-GA voted no
David Settle Reid D-NC voted no
George Ellis Pugh D-OH voted no
Andrew Pickens Butler D-SC voted no
Thomas Jefferson Rusk D-TX 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, “To amend motion relative to the contested…: Senate Vote, Dec 15, 1856,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/34-S-307/to-amend-motion-relative-to-the-contested-election-of (accessed 2026-10-16).