To amend S. 2, striking the paragraph setting penalties for disclosure of information about U.S. Military operations.

On Apr 20, 1917, the Senate voted 33–43 (S 2). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 8–35, Republicans 25–11. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 19 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: 33
No: 43
Did not vote: 32
Date: Apr 20, 1917

By party

Democrats8 yes · 35 no · 19 didn’t vote
Republicans25 yes · 11 no · 13 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Henry Fountain Ashurst D-AZ voted yes
Charles Spalding Thomas D-CO voted yes
John Franklin Shafroth D-CO voted yes
James Henry Brady R-ID voted no
Harry Stewart New R-IN voted no
Frank Billings Kellogg R-MN voted no
Knute Nelson R-MN voted no
James Alexander Reed D-MO voted yes
James Kimble Vardaman D-MS voted yes
Porter James Mccumber R-ND voted no
James Wolcott Wadsworth Jr. R-NY voted no
Warren Gamaliel Harding R-OH voted no
Thomas Pryor Gore D-OK voted yes
Philander Chase Knox R-PA voted no
Thomas Sterling R-SD voted no
John Knight Shields D-TN voted yes
William Henry King D-UT voted yes
William Paul Dillingham R-VT voted no
Miles Poindexter R-WA 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 S. 2, striking the paragraph…: Senate Vote, Apr 20, 1917,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/65-S-8/to-amend-s-2-striking-the-paragraph-setting-penalties (accessed 2026-10-16).