To open the dors, so as to permit the Senate to go into legislative session.

On Mar 13, 1857, the Senate voted 21–24. Result: failed. By party: Democrats 19–9, Republicans 1–13, Others 1–2. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 10 members voted against their own party.

During the 35th Congress (1857–1858), James Buchanan was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 21
No: 24
Did not vote: 28
Date: Mar 13, 1857

By party

Democrats19 yes · 9 no · 19 didn’t vote
Republicans1 yes · 13 no · 7 didn’t vote
Others1 yes · 2 no · 2 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

David Colbreth Broderick D-CA voted no
William McKendree Gwin D-CA voted no
Alfred Iverson Sr. D-GA voted no
James Stephen Green D-MO voted no
William Bigler D-PA voted no
Philip Allen D-RI voted no
Thomas Jefferson Rusk D-TX voted no
James Murray Mason D-VA voted no
Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter D-VA voted no
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.

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Capitol Receipts, “To open the dors, so as to permit the Senate…: Senate Vote, Mar 13…,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-27/to-open-the-dors-so-as-to-permit-the (accessed 2026-10-17).