On deciding whether the President's message shall be read over an objection. (p. 256-1)

On Dec 27, 1859, the Senate voted 28–12. Result: passed. By party: Democrats 26–0, Republicans 0–12, Others 2–0. 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: 28
No: 12
Did not vote: 30
Date: Dec 27, 1859

By party

Democrats26 yes · 0 no · 15 didn’t vote
Republicans0 yes · 12 no · 15 didn’t vote
Others2 yes · 0 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, “On deciding whether the President's message…: Senate Vote, Dec 27…,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/36-S-36/on-deciding-whether-the-presidents-message-shall-be-read (accessed 2026-10-16).