Northern states and southern states were at odds over the potential spread of slavery in new states and what that would do to the balance of power in Congress.
In 1846, Congressman David Wilmot of Pennsylvania introduced the proviso as an amendment to an appropriations bill in connection with the peace treaty being negotiated with Mexico. His amendment stipulated that any territory gained from Mexico would be free, not allowing slavery. Wilmot's amendment passed in the House of Representatives, but was unable to get approval in the Senate. The high-intensity debate over slavery and the expansion of slavery was evidenced by how things went with the "Wilmot Proviso."