To amend H.R. 8, by providing that the present provision requiring record evidence of service be repealed and that verbal testimony be admitted to prove such se

On Apr 17, 1856, the Senate voted 20–17 (HR 8). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 10–13, Others 10–4. 10 members voted against their own party.

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

Yes: 20
No: 17
Did not vote: 27
Date: Apr 17, 1856

By party

Democrats10 yes · 13 no · 16 didn’t vote
Others10 yes · 4 no · 10 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Benjamin Fitzpatrick D-AL voted yes
John B. Weller D-CA voted yes
Alfred Iverson Sr. D-GA voted yes
Robert Augustus Toombs D-GA voted yes
Lyman Trumbull D-IL voted yes
Stephen Arnold Douglas D-IL voted yes
Hannibal Hamlin D-ME voted yes
Albert Gallatin Brown D-MS voted yes
Asa Biggs D-NC voted yes
Andrew Pickens Butler D-SC 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, “To amend H.R. 8, by providing that the…: Senate Vote, Apr 17, 1856,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/34-S-39/to-amend-h-r-8-by-providing-that-the (accessed 2026-10-17).