To postpone the previous orders so as to resume consideration of S. 65, the pacific railroad bill.

On Dec 13, 1858, the Senate voted 30–18 (S 65). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 17–12, Republicans 11–5, Others 2–1. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted yes. 17 members voted against their own party.

During the 35th Congress (1857–1858), James Buchanan was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 30
No: 18
Did not vote: 25
Date: Dec 13, 1858

By party

Democrats17 yes · 12 no · 18 didn’t vote
Republicans11 yes · 5 no · 5 didn’t vote
Others2 yes · 1 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

William King Sebastian D-AR voted no
Martin Waltham Bates D-DE voted no
Robert Augustus Toombs D-GA voted no
John Slidell D-LA voted no
Judah Philip Benjamin D-LA voted no
Henry Wilson R-MA voted no
Hannibal Hamlin R-ME voted no
William Pitt Fessenden R-ME voted no
Albert Gallatin Brown D-MS voted no
David Settle Reid D-NC voted no
Thomas Lanier Clingman D-NC voted no
Benjamin Franklin Wade R-OH voted no
Philip Allen D-RI voted no
James Henry Hammond D-SC voted no
James Murray Mason D-VA voted no
Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter D-VA voted no
Jacob Collamer R-VT voted no

How each senator voted: Yes

How each senator voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

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Capitol Receipts, “To postpone the previous orders so as to…: Senate Vote, Dec 13, 1858,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-436/to-postpone-the-previous-orders-so-as-to-resume (accessed 2026-10-17).