To amend H. J. RES. 51 by granting equal civil and political rights anywhere in the United States, regardless of race or color. (p. 1283-1)

On Mar 9, 1866, the Senate voted 8–39 (HJR 51). Result: failed. By party: Republicans 8–27, Democrats 0–10, Others 0–2. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 8 members voted against their own party.

During the 39th Congress (1865–1866), Andrew Johnson was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 8
No: 39
Did not vote: 12
Date: Mar 9, 1866

By party

Democrats0 yes · 10 no · 1 didn’t vote
Republicans8 yes · 27 no · 9 didn’t vote
Others0 yes · 2 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Richard Yates R-IL voted yes
Samuel Clarke Pomeroy R-KS voted yes
Charles Sumner R-MA voted yes
Henry Wilson R-MA voted yes
Zachariah Chandler R-MI voted yes
Benjamin Gratz Brown R-MO voted yes
Benjamin Franklin Wade R-OH voted yes
Timothy Otis Howe R-WI 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 amend H. J. RES. 51 by granting equal…: Senate Vote, Mar 9, 1866,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/39-S-51/to-amend-h-j-res-51-by-granting-equal (accessed 2026-10-15).