To reconsider the vote by which H. R. 541, relating to railway along pennsylvania ave., washington, d. C., was not passed.

On Mar 3, 1859, the Senate voted 23–25 (HR 541). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 9–21, Republicans 13–2, Others 1–2. 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: 23
No: 25
Did not vote: 25
Date: Mar 3, 1859

By party

Democrats9 yes · 21 no · 17 didn’t vote
Republicans13 yes · 2 no · 6 didn’t vote
Others1 yes · 2 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Robert Ward Johnson D-AR voted yes
David Colbreth Broderick D-CA voted yes
James Dixon R-CT voted no
James Asheton Bayard Jr. D-DE voted yes
Alfred Iverson Sr. D-GA voted yes
Jesse David Bright D-IN voted yes
Albert Gallatin Brown D-MS voted yes
Thomas Lanier Clingman D-NC voted yes
Benjamin Franklin Wade R-OH voted no
Delazon Smith D-OR voted yes
William Bigler D-PA 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 reconsider the vote by which H. R. 541…: Senate Vote, Mar 3, 1859,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-697/to-reconsider-the-vote-by-which-h-r-541 (accessed 2026-10-17).