To go into executive session. (p. 1202-2)

On Mar 16, 1860, the Senate voted 29–16. Result: passed. By party: Democrats 25–2, Republicans 4–13, Others 0–1. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 6 members voted against their own party.

During the 36th Congress (1859–1860), James Buchanan was president, and Republicans held the House majority and Democrats the Senate majority.

Yes: 29
No: 16
Did not vote: 25
Date: Mar 16, 1860

By party

Democrats25 yes · 2 no · 14 didn’t vote
Republicans4 yes · 13 no · 10 didn’t vote
Others0 yes · 1 no · 1 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Alfred Iverson Sr. D-GA voted no
Charles Sumner R-MA voted yes
Henry Wilson R-MA voted yes
John Hemphill D-TX voted no
Jacob Collamer R-VT voted yes
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 go into executive session. (p. 1202-2): Senate Vote, Mar 16, 1860,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/36-S-117/to-go-into-executive-session-p-1202-2 (accessed 2026-10-15).