To pass a resolution to instruct the judiciary committee to report a bill amending the fugitive slave law enacted in in 1850, as to forbid the recapture or retu

On Dec 20, 1861, the House voted 78–39. Result: passed. By party: Republicans 75–0, Democrats 0–28, Others 3–11. It was a party-line vote: most Democrats and most Republicans voted on opposite sides.

During the 37th Congress (1861–1862), Abraham Lincoln was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 78
No: 39
Did not vote: 82
Date: Dec 20, 1861

By party

Republicans75 yes · 0 no · 35 didn’t vote
Democrats0 yes · 28 no · 24 didn’t vote
Others3 yes · 11 no · 23 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Every member who voted sided with their party's majority.

How each representative voted: Yes

How each representative voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To pass a resolution to instruct the…: House Vote, Dec 20, 1861,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/37-H-69/to-pass-a-resolution-to-instruct-the-judiciary-committee (accessed 2026-10-17).