To pass S. 65 with title changed to "an act to authorize and invite proposals for the construction of a railroad from the valley of the mississippi to the pacif

On Jan 27, 1859, the Senate voted 31–20 (S 65). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 12–18, Republicans 16–1, Others 3–1. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 13 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: 31
No: 20
Did not vote: 22
Date: Jan 27, 1859

By party

Democrats12 yes · 18 no · 17 didn’t vote
Republicans16 yes · 1 no · 4 didn’t vote
Others3 yes · 1 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
George Wallace Jones D-IA voted yes
Stephen Arnold Douglas D-IL voted yes
Jesse David Bright D-IN voted yes
Charles Edward Stuart D-MI voted yes
Henry Mower Rice D-MN voted yes
James Shields D-MN voted yes
Trusten Polk D-MO voted yes
Preston King R-NY voted no
William Bigler D-PA voted yes
Matthias Ward D-TX 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 pass S. 65 with title changed to "an act…: Senate Vote, Jan 27…,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-506/to-pass-s-65-with-title-changed-to-an (accessed 2026-10-16).