To ask for a committee of conference to compromise differences between both houses on amendments to the post route bill, H.R. 714, (c-57-12 ST. 151). (p. 986-2

On Feb 18, 1861, the Senate voted 13–25 (HR 714). Result: failed. By party: Republicans 1–21, Democrats 12–4, Others 1–0. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 5 members voted against their own party.

During the 36th Congress (1859–1860), James Buchanan was president, and Republicans held the House majority and Democrats the Senate majority.

Yes: 13
No: 25
Did not vote: 31
Date: Feb 18, 1861

By party

Democrats12 yes · 4 no · 25 didn’t vote
Republicans1 yes · 21 no · 5 didn’t vote
Others1 yes · 0 no · 1 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Stephen Arnold Douglas D-IL voted no
Graham Newell Fitch D-IN voted no
James Stephen Green D-MO voted no
Edward Dickinson Baker R-OR voted yes
William Bigler D-PA 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, “To ask for a committee of conference to…: Senate Vote, Feb 18, 1861,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/36-S-484/to-ask-for-a-committee-of-conference-to-compromise (accessed 2026-10-17).