To amend S. 8148, a bill defining and punishing espionage against the U.S., by making the crime of espionage depend on the violation of a statute or a lawful or

On Feb 19, 1917, the Senate voted 28–48 (S 8148). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 5–39, Republicans 24–9. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 14 members voted against their own party.

During the 64th Congress (1915–1916), Woodrow Wilson was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 28
No: 48
Did not vote: 23
Date: Feb 19, 1917

By party

Democrats5 yes · 39 no · 14 didn’t vote
Republicans24 yes · 9 no · 9 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

George Payne Mclean R-CT voted no
Henry Cabot Lodge R-MA voted no
Blair Lee D-MD voted yes
Bert Manfred Fernald R-ME voted no
Charles Elroy Townsend R-MI voted no
Knute Nelson R-MN voted no
James Kimble Vardaman D-MS voted yes
Gilbert Monell Hitchcock D-NE voted yes
Albert Bacon Fall R-NM voted no
James Aloysius O'Gorman D-NY voted yes
James Wolcott Wadsworth Jr. R-NY voted no
Harry Lane D-OR voted yes
Thomas Sterling R-SD voted no
William Paul Dillingham R-VT 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. 8148, a bill defining and…: Senate Vote, Feb 19, 1917,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/64-S-347/to-amend-s-8148-a-bill-defining-and-punishing (accessed 2026-10-17).