To amend H.R. 4280, by imposing a tax of 2 cents per LB. On coffee or substitute, produced or imported, to be paid by producer or importer. (p. 6865-1)

On Sep 10, 1917, the Senate voted 51–27 (HR 4280). Result: passed. By party: Democrats 37–6, Republicans 14–24. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 20 members voted against their own party.

During the 65th Congress (1917–1918), Woodrow Wilson was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 51
No: 27
Did not vote: 30
Date: Sep 10, 1917

By party

Democrats37 yes · 6 no · 19 didn’t vote
Republicans14 yes · 24 no · 11 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Hiram Warren Johnson R-CA voted yes
Josiah Oliver Wolcott D-DE voted no
Willard Saulsbury Jr. D-DE voted no
William Squire Kenyon R-IA voted yes
James Henry Brady R-ID voted yes
William Edgar Borah R-ID voted yes
Charles Curtis R-KS voted yes
William Alden Smith R-MI voted yes
Frank Billings Kellogg R-MN voted yes
William Joel Stone D-MO voted no
John Sharp Williams D-MS voted no
Furnifold McLendel Simmons D-NC voted no
Asle Jorgenson Gronna R-ND voted yes
George William Norris R-NE voted yes
Albert Bacon Fall R-NM voted yes
Charles Linza Mcnary R-OR voted yes
Peter Goelet Gerry D-RI voted no
Wesley Livsey Jones R-WA voted yes
Robert Marion La Follette R-WI voted yes
Howard Sutherland R-WV 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 amend H.R. 4280, by imposing a tax of 2…: Senate Vote, Sep 10, 1917,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/65-S-152/to-amend-h-r-4280-by-imposing-a-tax (accessed 2026-10-17).