To postpone order of business and continue with H. R. 72. (p. 1076, col.1)

On Feb 17, 1859, the Senate voted 27–26 (HR 72). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 9–27, Republicans 18–0, Others 1–0. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 9 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: 27
No: 26
Did not vote: 18
Date: Feb 17, 1859

By party

Democrats9 yes · 27 no · 11 didn’t vote
Republicans18 yes · 0 no · 3 didn’t vote
Others1 yes · 0 no · 4 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

David Colbreth Broderick D-CA 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
George Ellis Pugh D-OH voted yes
Delazon Smith D-OR voted yes
Andrew Johnson D-TN 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 postpone order of business and continue…: Senate Vote, Feb 17, 1859,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-574/to-postpone-order-of-business-and-continue-with-h (accessed 2026-10-17).