To recommit S. 65, to a select committee with instructions. (p.628, col.3)

On Jan 27, 1859, the Senate voted 17–36 (S 65). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 10–22, Republicans 7–10, Others 0–4. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 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: 17
No: 36
Did not vote: 20
Date: Jan 27, 1859

By party

Democrats10 yes · 22 no · 15 didn’t vote
Republicans7 yes · 10 no · 4 didn’t vote
Others0 yes · 4 no · 1 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

William King Sebastian D-AR voted yes
David Colbreth Broderick D-CA voted yes
William McKendree Gwin D-CA voted yes
Lafayette Sabine Foster R-CT voted yes
George Wallace Jones D-IA voted yes
James Harlan R-IA voted yes
Lyman Trumbull R-IL voted yes
Stephen Arnold Douglas D-IL voted yes
Jesse David Bright D-IN voted yes
Judah Philip Benjamin D-LA voted yes
Zachariah Chandler R-MI voted yes
Trusten Polk D-MO voted yes
Jefferson Davis D-MS voted yes
Preston King R-NY voted yes
William Henry Seward R-NY voted yes
William Bigler D-PA voted yes
Solomon Foot R-VT 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 recommit S. 65, to a select committee…: Senate Vote, Jan 27, 1859,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-505/to-recommit-s-65-to-a-select-committee-with (accessed 2026-10-14).