To consider H.R. 56, (app. 5/15/1856, 11 stat. L. 9), a bill granting land to iowa to aid in the construction of certain railroads. (globe reads, to postpone TH

On May 9, 1856, the Senate voted 23–11 (HR 56). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 14–6, Others 9–5. 6 members voted against their own party.

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

Yes: 23
No: 11
Did not vote: 30
Date: May 9, 1856

By party

Democrats14 yes · 6 no · 19 didn’t vote
Others9 yes · 5 no · 10 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Robert Augustus Toombs D-GA voted no
Asa Biggs D-NC voted no
David Settle Reid D-NC voted no
George Ellis Pugh D-OH voted no
Josiah James Evans D-SC voted no
James Murray Mason D-VA 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 consider H.R. 56, (app. 5/15/1856, 11…: Senate Vote, May 9, 1856,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/34-S-55/to-consider-h-r-56-app-5-15-1856 (accessed 2026-10-17).