To amend H. R. 872, by an insertion providing that contracts for the printing of postage stamps and stamped envelopes shall be given to the lowest responsible b

On Feb 28, 1859, the Senate voted 32–17 (HR 872). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 11–17, Republicans 19–0, Others 2–0. 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: 32
No: 17
Did not vote: 24
Date: Feb 28, 1859

By party

Democrats11 yes · 17 no · 19 didn’t vote
Republicans19 yes · 0 no · 2 didn’t vote
Others2 yes · 0 no · 3 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Robert Ward Johnson D-AR voted yes
David Colbreth Broderick D-CA voted yes
Robert Augustus Toombs D-GA voted yes
Stephen Arnold Douglas D-IL voted yes
Judah Philip Benjamin D-LA voted yes
James Stephen Green D-MO voted yes
Thomas Lanier Clingman D-NC voted yes
George Ellis Pugh D-OH voted yes
Philip Allen D-RI voted yes
James Chesnut Jr. D-SC 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 amend H. R. 872, by an insertion…: Senate Vote, Feb 28, 1859,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-645/to-amend-h-r-872-by-an-insertion-providing (accessed 2026-10-17).