To amend S. 1871, by raising the age limit for induction into the army to 40 years. (p. 1467, col. 2)

On Apr 28, 1917, the Senate voted 22–65 (S 1871). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 12–35, Republicans 10–30. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 22 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: 22
No: 65
Did not vote: 24
Date: Apr 28, 1917

By party

Democrats12 yes · 35 no · 15 didn’t vote
Republicans10 yes · 30 no · 9 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

William Fosgate Kirby D-AR voted yes
Charles Spalding Thomas D-CO voted yes
Josiah Oliver Wolcott D-DE voted yes
Thomas William Hardwick D-GA voted yes
Albert Baird Cummins R-IA voted yes
William Squire Kenyon R-IA voted yes
William Edgar Borah R-ID voted yes
Charles Curtis R-KS voted yes
William Howard Thompson D-KS voted yes
Charles Elroy Townsend R-MI voted yes
James Kimble Vardaman D-MS voted yes
Asle Jorgenson Gronna R-ND voted yes
George William Norris R-NE voted yes
Robert Latham Owen D-OK voted yes
Thomas Pryor Gore D-OK voted yes
Edwin Stockton Johnson D-SD voted yes
Thomas Sterling R-SD voted yes
John Knight Shields D-TN voted yes
Kenneth Douglas Mckellar D-TN voted yes
Morris Sheppard D-TX voted yes
Wesley Livsey Jones R-WA voted yes
Robert Marion La Follette R-WI 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 S. 1871, by raising the age limit…: Senate Vote, Apr 28, 1917,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/65-S-17/to-amend-s-1871-by-raising-the-age-limit (accessed 2026-10-17).