To postpone consideration of the pacific railroad bill, H.R. 701, in order to consider S.J.RES. 54, proposing certain amendments to the constitution of the U.S.

On Jan 15, 1861, the Senate voted 21–27 (HR 701). Result: failed. By party: Republicans 0–25, Democrats 19–2, Others 2–0. It was a party-line vote: most Democrats and most Republicans voted on opposite sides. 2 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: 21
No: 27
Did not vote: 22
Date: Jan 15, 1861

By party

Democrats19 yes · 2 no · 20 didn’t vote
Republicans0 yes · 25 no · 2 didn’t vote
Others2 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

Milton Slocum Latham D-CA voted no
William McKendree Gwin D-CA voted no

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 postpone consideration of the pacific…: Senate Vote, Jan 15, 1861,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/36-S-397/to-postpone-consideration-of-the-pacific-railroad-bill-h (accessed 2026-10-17).