To postpone prior orders of the day and proceed to consideration of resolution that creation of a large public debt in time of peace is inconsistent with true p

On Feb 8, 1859, the Senate voted 33–23. Result: passed. By party: Democrats 13–21, Republicans 15–2, Others 5–0. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 15 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: 33
No: 23
Did not vote: 17
Date: Feb 8, 1859

By party

Democrats13 yes · 21 no · 13 didn’t vote
Republicans15 yes · 2 no · 4 didn’t vote
Others5 yes · 0 no

Who broke with their party

David Colbreth Broderick D-CA voted yes
William McKendree Gwin D-CA voted yes
Martin Waltham Bates D-DE voted yes
Stephen Russell Mallory D-FL voted yes
Robert Augustus Toombs D-GA voted yes
Lyman Trumbull R-IL voted no
Jesse David Bright D-IN voted yes
James Alfred Pearce D-MD voted yes
Zachariah Chandler R-MI voted no
James Shields D-MN voted yes
Trusten Polk D-MO voted yes
Jefferson Davis D-MS voted yes
Thomas Lanier Clingman D-NC voted yes
John Renshaw Thomson D-NJ voted yes
William Bigler D-PA 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 prior orders of the day and…: Senate Vote, Feb 8, 1859,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/35-S-555/to-postpone-prior-orders-of-the-day-and-proceed (accessed 2026-10-17).