To amend H.R. 7237, by providing for government purchase and operation of the pneumatic mail tubes now in use in various cities. (p. 6590)

On May 15, 1918, the Senate voted 31–19 (HR 7237). Result: passed. By party: Republicans 24–5, Democrats 11–17. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 16 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: 31
No: 19
Did not vote: 54
Date: May 15, 1918

By party

Democrats11 yes · 17 no · 34 didn’t vote
Republicans24 yes · 5 no · 20 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

John Hollis Bankhead D-AL voted yes
Oscar Wilder Underwood D-AL voted yes
Thomas William Hardwick D-GA voted yes
William Squire Kenyon R-IA voted no
James Hamilton Lewis D-IL voted yes
John Walter Smith D-MD voted yes
Xenophon Pierce Wilfley D-MO voted yes
Furnifold McLendel Simmons D-NC voted yes
Asle Jorgenson Gronna R-ND voted no
Gilbert Monell Hitchcock D-NE voted yes
Key Pittman D-NV voted yes
George Earle Chamberlain D-OR voted yes
Reed Smoot R-UT voted no
William Henry King D-UT voted yes
Miles Poindexter R-WA voted no
Irvine Luther Lenroot 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 amend H.R. 7237, by providing for…: Senate Vote, May 15, 1918,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/65-S-254/to-amend-h-r-7237-by-providing-for-government (accessed 2026-10-17).