To amend in the nature of a substitute S. 65, so as to authorize the President to contract for building a railroad from the missouri river to the west coast of

On Jan 26, 1859, the Senate voted 18–33 (S 65). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 16–14, Republicans 0–18, Others 2–1. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 14 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: 18
No: 33
Did not vote: 22
Date: Jan 26, 1859

By party

Democrats16 yes · 14 no · 17 didn’t vote
Republicans0 yes · 18 no · 3 didn’t vote
Others2 yes · 1 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

David Colbreth Broderick D-CA voted no
William McKendree Gwin D-CA voted no
James Asheton Bayard Jr. D-DE voted no
Martin Waltham Bates D-DE voted no
Stephen Arnold Douglas D-IL voted no
Charles Edward Stuart D-MI voted no
Henry Mower Rice D-MN voted no
James Shields D-MN voted no
James Stephen Green D-MO voted no
Trusten Polk D-MO voted no
Albert Gallatin Brown D-MS voted no
William Bigler D-PA voted no
Philip Allen D-RI voted no
James Chesnut Jr. D-SC 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 in the nature of a substitute S…: Senate Vote, Jan 26, 1859,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-493/to-amend-in-the-nature-of-a-substitute-s (accessed 2026-10-17).