To amend H.R. 291, by establishing a press censorship, for duration of war, under direction of secretaries of war and navy. (p. 2166, col. 2)

On May 12, 1917, the Senate voted 5–65 (HR 291). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 4–34, Republicans 1–32. It was a bipartisan vote: majorities of both parties voted no. 5 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: 5
No: 65
Did not vote: 40
Date: May 12, 1917

By party

Democrats4 yes · 34 no · 24 didn’t vote
Republicans1 yes · 32 no · 16 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

William Fosgate Kirby D-AR voted yes
William Joel Stone D-MO voted yes
Henry Lee Myers D-MT voted yes
Henry French Hollis D-NH voted yes
Miles Poindexter R-WA 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 H.R. 291, by establishing a press…: Senate Vote, May 12, 1917,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/65-S-38/to-amend-h-r-291-by-establishing-a-press (accessed 2026-10-17).