To postpone the consideration of an amendment to H. R. 1438, which amendment provides for levying an income tax. (p.2445 -2)

On May 27, 1909, the Senate voted 50–33 (HR 1438). Result: passed. By party: Republicans 50–6, Democrats 1–28. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 7 members voted against their own party.

During the 61st Congress (1909–1910), William Howard Taft was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 50
No: 33
Did not vote: 18
Date: May 27, 1909

By party

Democrats1 yes · 28 no · 11 didn’t vote
Republicans50 yes · 6 no · 7 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Albert Baird Cummins R-IA voted no
Jonathan Prentiss Dolliver R-IA voted no
William Edgar Borah R-ID voted no
Joseph Little Bristow R-KS voted no
Samuel Douglas Mcenery D-LA voted yes
Moses Edwin Clapp R-MN voted no
Robert Marion La Follette R-WI 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 postpone the consideration of an…: Senate Vote, May 27, 1909,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/61-S-28/to-postpone-the-consideration-of-an-amendment-to-h (accessed 2026-10-17).