To concur in amendment to H. R. 541 as made in the committee of the whole that the guage of tracks shall not be less than five feet two and a half inches, and t

On Feb 7, 1859, the Senate voted 29–24 (HR 541). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 23–8, Republicans 3–14, Others 3–2. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 11 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: 29
No: 24
Did not vote: 20
Date: Feb 7, 1859

By party

Democrats23 yes · 8 no · 16 didn’t vote
Republicans3 yes · 14 no · 4 didn’t vote
Others3 yes · 2 no

Who broke with their party

David Colbreth Broderick D-CA voted no
James Asheton Bayard Jr. D-DE voted no
Alfred Iverson Sr. D-GA voted no
Lyman Trumbull R-IL voted yes
Judah Philip Benjamin D-LA voted no
Henry Mower Rice D-MN voted no
Albert Gallatin Brown D-MS voted no
Thomas Lanier Clingman D-NC voted no
James Fowler Simmons R-RI voted yes
Philip Allen D-RI voted no
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 concur in amendment to H. R. 541 as made…: Senate Vote, Feb 7, 1859,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-548/to-concur-in-amendment-to-h-r-541-as (accessed 2026-10-17).