To amend H.J. RES. 309 (stat-40-l-904, 7/16/18), a bill authorizing the federal control of telephone, telegraph, marine cable or radio systems for the duration

On Jul 11, 1918, the Senate voted 21–39 (HJR 309). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 3–36, Republicans 20–7. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 10 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: 21
No: 39
Did not vote: 45
Date: Jul 11, 1918

By party

Democrats3 yes · 36 no · 23 didn’t vote
Republicans20 yes · 7 no · 22 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

William Squire Kenyon R-IA voted no
Knute Nelson R-MN voted no
James Alexander Reed D-MO voted yes
George William Norris R-NE voted no
Atlee Pomerene D-OH voted yes
Thomas Pryor Gore D-OK voted yes
LeBaron Bradford Colt R-RI voted no
Miles Poindexter R-WA voted no
Wesley Livsey Jones R-WA voted no
Robert Marion La Follette 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.J. RES. 309 (stat-40-l-904…: Senate Vote, Jul 11, 1918,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/65-S-295/to-amend-h-j-res-309-stat-40-l (accessed 2026-10-17).