To concur in the amendment to the bill H.R. 701, constructing a public railway, providing for a northern route, instead of proposed southern route calling for a

On Jan 30, 1861, the Senate voted 27–19 (HR 701). Result: passed. By party: Republicans 19–6, Democrats 8–11, Others 0–2. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 14 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: 27
No: 19
Did not vote: 24
Date: Jan 30, 1861

By party

Democrats8 yes · 11 no · 22 didn’t vote
Republicans19 yes · 6 no · 2 didn’t vote
Others0 yes · 2 no

Who broke with their party

Robert Ward Johnson D-AR voted yes
William King Sebastian D-AR voted yes
James Dixon R-CT voted no
Lafayette Sabine Foster R-CT voted no
James Harlan R-IA voted no
James Wilson Grimes R-IA voted no
Stephen Arnold Douglas D-IL voted yes
Graham Newell Fitch D-IN voted yes
Jesse David Bright D-IN voted yes
Lazarus Whitehead Powell D-KY voted yes
Henry Mower Rice D-MN voted yes
William Henry Seward R-NY voted no
Edward Dickinson Baker R-OR voted no
Joseph Lane D-OR 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 concur in the amendment to the bill H.R…: Senate Vote, Jan 30, 1861,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/36-S-440/to-concur-in-the-amendment-to-the-bill-h (accessed 2026-10-17).