1. On January 8, 1879, Representative Albert Willis, a Democrat from Kentucky brought up "The Fifteen Passenger Bill." The aim of this law would be to bar any ship from landing in the United States that had more than fifteen Chinese passengers on board under threat of heavy fines. No exceptions would be allowed under the bill, even in cases of nautical emergency.
2. Debate lasted just one hour with only Representative Martin Townsend, a New York Republican, speaking out in favor of the Chinese. The House passed the bill 155 to 72, with 61 members not having voted, including future Presidents Garfield and McKinley. 51 Republicans, 103 Democrats, and one Independent voted in favor. 56 Republicans and 16 Democrats voted against. （注：HOUSE）
3. After three days of debate, with amendments added to allow ships in emergency to dock at American ports and Chinese students to be temporarily admitted with Chinese government certificates, the bill was passed with 39 in favor, 27 against, and 9 absent. 16 Republicans, 21 Democrats, and 2 independents voted in favor. 17 Republicans, 9 Democrats, and 1 independent voted against. （注： SENATE）
4. On March 4, 1879, the Fifteen Passenger Bill was vetoed by President Rutherford B. Hayes.
5. An attempt for the House to override the veto failed with 110 in favor, 96 against, and 34 not voting. Clearly, despite the failure to achieve a 2/3 majority to overturn the veto, the appetite to end Chinese immigration to America was only growing stronger as time passed. The stage was now set for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
