S. 2539. Housing act of 1959. Passage over President's veto. Failed.

On Sep 4, 1959, the Senate voted 58–36 (S 2539). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 56–9, Republicans 6–29. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 15 members voted against their own party.

During the 86th Congress (1959–1960), Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 58
No: 36
Did not vote: 3
Date: Sep 4, 1959

By party

Democrats56 yes · 9 no · 2 didn’t vote
Republicans6 yes · 29 no · 1 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

John Little Mcclellan D-AR voted no
Spessard Lindsey Holland D-FL voted no
Herman Eugene Talmadge D-GA voted no
Richard Brevard Russell Jr. D-GA voted no
Homer Earl Capehart R-IN voted yes
John Sherman Cooper R-KY voted yes
James Glenn Beall R-MD voted yes
James Oliver Eastland D-MS voted no
John Cornelius Stennis D-MS voted no
William Langer R-ND voted yes
Jacob Koppel Javits R-NY voted yes
Frank John Lausche D-OH voted no
Hugh Doggett Scott Jr. R-PA voted yes
James Strom Thurmond D-SC voted no
Harry Flood Byrd D-VA 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, “S. 2539. Housing act of 1959. Passage over…: Senate Vote, Sep 4, 1959,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/86-S-188/s-2539-housing-act-of-1959-passage-over-presidents (accessed 2026-10-17).