To amend amendment to the tariff bill for 1862, H.R. 338, (c-68-12 ST. 178), reducing from fifteen to ten percent the duty on books and printed literature. (p.

On Feb 18, 1861, the Senate voted 17–20 (HR 338). Result: failed. By party: Republicans 3–18, Democrats 13–2, Others 1–0. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 5 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: 17
No: 20
Did not vote: 33
Date: Feb 18, 1861

By party

Democrats13 yes · 2 no · 26 didn’t vote
Republicans3 yes · 18 no · 6 didn’t vote
Others1 yes · 0 no · 1 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Charles Sumner R-MA voted yes
Preston King R-NY voted yes
William Henry Seward R-NY voted yes
William Bigler D-PA voted no
Andrew Johnson D-TN 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 amend amendment to the tariff bill for…: Senate Vote, Feb 18, 1861,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/36-S-485/to-amend-amendment-to-the-tariff-bill-for-1862 (accessed 2026-10-17).