To amend the resolution appointing a committee to investigate the invasion of the armory and arsenal at harpers' ferry, by appointing a similar committee to inv

On Dec 14, 1859, the Senate voted 22–32. Result: failed. By party: Democrats 0–30, Republicans 22–0, Others 0–2. It was a party-line vote: most Democrats and most Republicans voted on opposite sides.

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

Yes: 22
No: 32
Did not vote: 16
Date: Dec 14, 1859

By party

Democrats0 yes · 30 no · 11 didn’t vote
Republicans22 yes · 0 no · 5 didn’t vote
Others0 yes · 2 no

Who broke with their party

Every member who voted sided with their party's majority.

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 the resolution appointing a…: Senate Vote, Dec 14, 1859,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/36-S-33/to-amend-the-resolution-appointing-a-committee-to-investigate (accessed 2026-10-17).