To postpone consideration of appropriation bills and continue debate on the resolutions relative to the recent aggressions by british cruisers on U.S. Commerce.

On May 29, 1858, the Senate voted 20–32. Result: failed. By party: Democrats 12–18, Republicans 6–11, Others 2–3. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 18 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: 20
No: 32
Did not vote: 21
Date: May 29, 1858

By party

Democrats12 yes · 18 no · 17 didn’t vote
Republicans6 yes · 11 no · 4 didn’t vote
Others2 yes · 3 no

Who broke with their party

Benjamin Fitzpatrick D-AL voted yes
William King Sebastian D-AR voted yes
Stephen Russell Mallory D-FL voted yes
Robert Augustus Toombs D-GA voted yes
James Harlan R-IA voted yes
Lyman Trumbull R-IL voted yes
Graham Newell Fitch D-IN voted yes
Henry Wilson R-MA voted yes
Henry Mower Rice D-MN voted yes
James Shields D-MN voted yes
Albert Gallatin Brown D-MS voted yes
John Renshaw Thomson D-NJ voted yes
Preston King R-NY voted yes
William Henry Seward R-NY voted yes
Philip Allen D-RI voted yes
Andrew Johnson D-TN voted yes
James Murray Mason D-VA voted yes
Charles Durkee 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 postpone consideration of appropriation…: Senate Vote, May 29, 1858,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-292/to-postpone-consideration-of-appropriation-bills-and-continue-debate (accessed 2026-10-17).