To postpone all special orders and to consider H.R. 153, a bill providing for the construction of iron-clad steam gunboats. (p. 559-1)

On Jan 31, 1862, the Senate voted 15–23 (HR 153). Result: failed. By party: Republicans 8–18, Democrats 5–2, Others 2–3. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 10 members voted against their own party.

During the 37th Congress (1861–1862), Abraham Lincoln was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 15
No: 23
Did not vote: 35
Date: Jan 31, 1862

By party

Democrats5 yes · 2 no · 22 didn’t vote
Republicans8 yes · 18 no · 10 didn’t vote
Others2 yes · 3 no · 3 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Lafayette Sabine Foster R-CT voted yes
James Wilson Grimes R-IA voted yes
James Alfred Pearce D-MD voted no
Jacob Merritt Howard R-MI voted yes
John Parker Hale R-NH voted yes
John Conover Ten Eyck R-NJ voted yes
John Sherman R-OH voted yes
James Willis Nesmith D-OR voted no
Henry Bowen Anthony R-RI voted yes
Solomon Foot R-VT 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 postpone all special orders and to…: Senate Vote, Jan 31, 1862,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/37-S-161/to-postpone-all-special-orders-and-to-consider-h (accessed 2026-10-16).