Key Votes

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Vote Smart provides easy access to congressional and state voting records and maintains a collection of key votes grouped by issue. Vote Smart uses the following criteria to select key votes:

  1. The vote should be helpful in portraying how a member stands on a particular issue
  2. The vote should be clear for any person to understand
  3. The vote has received media attention
  4. The vote was passed or defeated by a very close margin
  5. Occasionally, if a specific bill is consistently inquired about on the Voter's Research Hotline, the vote will be added

Vote Smart provides a summary of the version of the bill text associated with each selected key vote. Our summaries are written by Vote Smart's staff and interns, who adhere to our strict policies and procedures in order to guarantee absolute impartiality and accuracy. They do not necessarily reflect the content of the final version of the bill, but rather the version voted on in that stage. While many procedural votes take place before a full chamber vote, our voting stages reflect the final reading of each chamber vote. Each key vote selection is reviewed by the project's community of advisors, who are political scientists and journalists from all fifty states.

For more information about the legislative process, see here.


results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
May 22, 1998 National HR 2400 Transportation Reauthorization bill Conference Report Adopted - House (297 - 86)
May 22, 1998 National HR 2400 Transportation Reauthorization bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (88 - 5)
May 6, 1998 National HR 6 Higher Education Programs Authorization Extension bill Bill Passed - House (414 - 4)
April 30, 1998 National HR 3579 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (242 - 163)
April 30, 1998 National HR 3579 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (88 - 11)
April 28, 1998 National HR 1757 State Department FY98-99 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 49)
April 22, 1998 National H J Res 111 Tax Limitation Amendment Joint Resolution Failed - House (238 - 186)
April 2, 1998 National S Con Res 86 Budget Resolution FY99 Resolution Passed - Senate (57 - 41)
April 1, 1998 National HR 2400 Transportation Reauthorization bill Bill Passed - House (337 - 80)
March 31, 1998 National HR 3579 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (212 - 208)
March 12, 1998 National S Amdt 1676 Intermodal Transportation Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (96 - 4)
Nov. 13, 1997 National HR 2267 Appropriations bill FY98, Commerce, Justice, and State Conference Report Adopted - House (282 - 110)
Nov. 8, 1997 National HR 2264 Appropriations bill FY98, Labor, HHS, Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (91 - 4)
Nov. 7, 1997 National HR 2264 Appropriations bill FY98, Labor, HHS, Education Conference Report Adopted - House (352 - 65)
Nov. 7, 1997 National S 858 Intelligence FY98 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - House (385 - 36)
Oct. 28, 1997 National HR 2107 Interior Department FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (84 - 14)
Oct. 24, 1997 National HR 2107 Interior Department FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (233 - 171)
Oct. 9, 1997 National HR 2607 District of Columbia FY98 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (203 - 202)
Oct. 6, 1997 National HR 2160 Agriculture FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (399 - 18)
Oct. 1, 1997 National HR 2378 Appropriations bill FY98, Treasury, Postal Service Conference Report Adopted - Senate (55 - 45)
Sept. 30, 1997 National HR 2378 Appropriations bill FY98, Treasury, Postal Service Conference Report Adopted - House (220 - 207)
Sept. 29, 1997 National H J Res 94 Continuing Appropriations Joint Resolution Passed - House (355 - 57)
Sept. 25, 1997 National HR 2266 Defense Department FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (356 - 65)
Sept. 25, 1997 National HR 2266 Defense Department FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (93 - 5)
Sept. 24, 1997 National HR 2209 FY 1998 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (309 - 106)
Sept. 17, 1997 National HR 2378 Appropriations bill FY98, Treasury, Postal Service Bill Passed - House (231 - 192)
Sept. 11, 1997 National S Amdt 1122 Education Funding Amendment Amendment Not Tabled - Senate (49 - 51)
July 31, 1997 National HR 2014 Budget Reconciliation Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (389 - 43)
July 31, 1997 National HR 2014 Budget Reconciliation Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (92 - 8)
July 31, 1997 National HR 2015 Budget Reconciliation bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (85 - 15)
July 30, 1997 National HR 2015 Budget Reconciliation bill Conference Report Adopted - House (346 - 85)
July 29, 1997 National HR 2266 Defense Department FY98 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (322 - 105)
July 28, 1997 National HR 2209 FY 1998 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (214 - 203)
July 24, 1997 National HR 2160 Agriculture FY98 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (392 - 32)
July 15, 1997 National HR 2107 Interior Department FY98 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (238 - 192)
June 26, 1997 National S Amdt 527 Family Tax Relief Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (38 - 61)
June 26, 1997 National HR 2014 Budget Reconciliation Bill Bill Passed - House (253 - 179)
June 25, 1997 National HR 2015 Budget Reconciliation bill Bill Passed - House (270 - 162)
June 12, 1997 National HR 1871 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (348 - 74)
June 12, 1997 National HR 1871 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Bill Passed - Senate (78 - 21)
June 5, 1997 National HR 1469 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (67 - 31)
June 5, 1997 National HR 1469 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (220 - 201)
June 5, 1997 National H Con Res 84 Budget Resolution FY1999-2000 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (76 - 22)
June 5, 1997 National H Con Res 84 Budget Resolution FY1999-2000 Conference Report Adopted - House (327 - 97)
May 23, 1997 National H Con Res 84 Budget Resolution FY1999-2000 Resolution Passed - Senate (78 - 22)
May 22, 1997 National S Amdt 301 Budget Deficit Amendment Amendment Tabled - Senate (52 - 47)
May 21, 1997 National H Con Res 84 Budget Resolution FY1999-2000 Resolution Passed - House (333 - 99)
May 15, 1997 National HR 1469 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (244 - 178)
March 12, 1997 National H Res 89 Balanced Budget Request resolution Resolution Passed - House (231 - 197)
March 4, 1997 National S J Res 1 Balanced Budget amendment Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (66 - 34)
Sept. 28, 1996 National HR 3610 Omnibus FY97 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (370 - 37)
Sept. 24, 1996 National HR 3666 Veterans Affairs, HUD FY97 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (388 - 25)
Sept. 17, 1996 National HR 3816 Appropriations bill FY97, Energy and Water Development Conference Report Adopted - Senate (92 - 8)
Sept. 12, 1996 National HR 3816 Appropriations bill FY97, Energy and Water Development Conference Report Adopted - House (383 - 29)
Aug. 2, 1996 National HR 3448 Minimum Wage Increase bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (76 - 22)
Aug. 2, 1996 National HR 3448 Minimum Wage Increase bill Conference Report Adopted - House (354 - 72)
July 25, 1996 National H Amdt 1359 Energy Research Appropriation Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (198 - 211)
July 25, 1996 National H Amdt 1360 Renewable Energy Research Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (279 - 135)
July 24, 1996 National H Amdt 1356 Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Funding Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (184 - 236)
July 9, 1996 National HR 3448 Minimum Wage Increase bill Bill Passed - Senate (74 - 24)
June 26, 1996 National HR 3666 Veterans Affairs, HUD FY97 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (269 - 147)
June 20, 1996 National PN 951 Alan Greenspan, Federal Reserve Chairman Nomination Confirmed - Senate (91 - 7)
June 20, 1996 National PN 953 Alice M. Rivlin, Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Nomination Confirmed - Senate (57 - 41)
June 20, 1996 National H Amdt 1183 Forest Service Funding Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (211 - 211)
June 13, 1996 National H Con Res 178 Fiscal Year 1997 Budget Resolution Conference Report Adopted - Senate (53 - 46)
June 13, 1996 National HR 3610 Defense Department FY97 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (278 - 126)
June 12, 1996 National H Con Res 178 Fiscal Year 1997 Budget Resolution Conference Report Adopted - House (216 - 211)
June 6, 1996 National H J Res 1 Balanced Budget Proposed Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (64 - 35)
May 22, 1996 National HR 3448 Minimum Wage Increase bill Bill Passed - House (414 - 10)
May 21, 1996 National HR 3415 Repeal Gas Tax bill Bill Passed - House (301 - 108)
May 16, 1996 National H Con Res 178 Fiscal Year 1997 Budget Resolution Resolution Passed - House (226 - 195)
April 30, 1996 National HR 1561 Authorization bill, FY96-97, Foreign Relations Veto Override Failed - House (234 - 188)
April 25, 1996 National HR 3019 Appropriations bill FY96, Omnibus Conference Report Adopted - Senate (88 - 11)
April 25, 1996 National HR 3019 Appropriations bill FY96, Omnibus Conference Report Adopted - House (399 - 25)
April 17, 1996 National HR 842 Truth in Budgeting Act Bill Passed - House (284 - 143)
March 28, 1996 National HR 1561 Authorization bill, FY96-97, Foreign Relations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 44)
March 19, 1996 National HR 3019 Appropriations bill FY96, Omnibus Bill Passed - Senate (79 - 21)
March 12, 1996 National HR 1561 Authorization bill, FY96-97, Foreign Relations Conference Report Adopted - House (226 - 172)
March 7, 1996 National HR 3019 Appropriations bill FY96, Omnibus Bill Passed - House (209 - 206)
Jan. 4, 1996 National HR 1977 1996 Interior Appropriations Veto Override Failed - House (239 - 177)
Dec. 22, 1995 National HR 4 Welfare Reform Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 47)
Dec. 21, 1995 National HR 4 Welfare Reform Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (245 - 178)
Dec. 14, 1995 National HR 1977 Interior Department FY96 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (58 - 40)
Dec. 14, 1995 National HR 2099 Veterans Affairs, HUD FY '96 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (54 - 44)
Dec. 14, 1995 National HR 1561 Authorization bill, FY96-97, Foreign Relations Bill Passed - Senate (82 - 16)
Dec. 13, 1995 National HR 1977 Interior Department FY96 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (244 - 181)
Dec. 7, 1995 National HR 2099 Veterans Affairs, HUD FY '96 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (227 - 190)
Dec. 7, 1995 National HR 2076 Appropriations bill FY96, Commerce, Justice, State Conference Report Adopted - Senate (50 - 48)
Dec. 6, 1995 National HR 2076 Appropriations bill FY96, Commerce, Justice, State Conference Report Adopted - House (256 - 166)
Nov. 16, 1995 National H J Res 122 Continuing Appropriation Bill Bill Passed - House (277 - 151)
Nov. 16, 1995 National H J Res 122 Continuing Appropriation Bill Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 37)
Nov. 15, 1995 National HR 2020 Appropriations bill FY96, Treasury, Postal Service Conference Report Adopted - Senate (63 - 35)
Nov. 15, 1995 National HR 2020 Appropriations bill FY96, Treasury, Postal Service Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 52)
Nov. 2, 1995 National HR 2546 Appropriations Bill FY 96, District of Columbia Bill Passed - House (224 - 191)
Nov. 1, 1995 National HR 1868 Appropriations bill, FY96, Foreign Relations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (90 - 6)
Oct. 31, 1995 National HR 1868 Appropriations bill, FY96, Foreign Relations Conference Report Adopted - House (351 - 71)
Oct. 31, 1995 National HR 2492 Appropriations Bill FY96, Legislative Branch Bill Passed - House (315 - 106)
Oct. 28, 1995 National HR 2491 Budget Reconciliation Bill Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 47)
Oct. 26, 1995 National HR 2491 Budget Reconciliation Bill Bill Passed - House (227 - 203)
Oct. 12, 1995 National HR 1976 Appropriations bill FY96, Agriculture Conference Report Adopted - House (288 - 132)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/22 HR 2400 Transportation Reauthorization bill Conference Report Adopted - House (297 - 86)
5/22 HR 2400 Transportation Reauthorization bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (88 - 5)
5/06 HR 6 Higher Education Programs Authorization Extension bill Bill Passed - House (414 - 4)
4/30 HR 3579 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (242 - 163)
4/30 HR 3579 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (88 - 11)
4/28 HR 1757 State Department FY98-99 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 49)
4/22 H J Res 111 Tax Limitation Amendment Joint Resolution Failed - House (238 - 186)
4/02 S Con Res 86 Budget Resolution FY99 Resolution Passed - Senate (57 - 41)
4/01 HR 2400 Transportation Reauthorization bill Bill Passed - House (337 - 80)
3/31 HR 3579 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (212 - 208)
3/12 S Amdt 1676 Intermodal Transportation Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (96 - 4)
11/13 HR 2267 Appropriations bill FY98, Commerce, Justice, and State Conference Report Adopted - House (282 - 110)
11/08 HR 2264 Appropriations bill FY98, Labor, HHS, Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (91 - 4)
11/07 HR 2264 Appropriations bill FY98, Labor, HHS, Education Conference Report Adopted - House (352 - 65)
11/07 S 858 Intelligence FY98 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - House (385 - 36)
10/28 HR 2107 Interior Department FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (84 - 14)
10/24 HR 2107 Interior Department FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (233 - 171)
10/09 HR 2607 District of Columbia FY98 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (203 - 202)
10/06 HR 2160 Agriculture FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (399 - 18)
10/01 HR 2378 Appropriations bill FY98, Treasury, Postal Service Conference Report Adopted - Senate (55 - 45)
9/30 HR 2378 Appropriations bill FY98, Treasury, Postal Service Conference Report Adopted - House (220 - 207)
9/29 H J Res 94 Continuing Appropriations Joint Resolution Passed - House (355 - 57)
9/25 HR 2266 Defense Department FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (356 - 65)
9/25 HR 2266 Defense Department FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (93 - 5)
9/24 HR 2209 FY 1998 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (309 - 106)
9/17 HR 2378 Appropriations bill FY98, Treasury, Postal Service Bill Passed - House (231 - 192)
9/11 S Amdt 1122 Education Funding Amendment Amendment Not Tabled - Senate (49 - 51)
7/31 HR 2014 Budget Reconciliation Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (389 - 43)
7/31 HR 2014 Budget Reconciliation Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (92 - 8)
7/31 HR 2015 Budget Reconciliation bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (85 - 15)
7/30 HR 2015 Budget Reconciliation bill Conference Report Adopted - House (346 - 85)
7/29 HR 2266 Defense Department FY98 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (322 - 105)
7/28 HR 2209 FY 1998 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (214 - 203)
7/24 HR 2160 Agriculture FY98 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (392 - 32)
7/15 HR 2107 Interior Department FY98 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (238 - 192)
6/26 S Amdt 527 Family Tax Relief Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (38 - 61)
6/26 HR 2014 Budget Reconciliation Bill Bill Passed - House (253 - 179)
6/25 HR 2015 Budget Reconciliation bill Bill Passed - House (270 - 162)
6/12 HR 1871 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (348 - 74)
6/12 HR 1871 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Bill Passed - Senate (78 - 21)
6/05 HR 1469 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (67 - 31)
6/05 HR 1469 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (220 - 201)
6/05 H Con Res 84 Budget Resolution FY1999-2000 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (76 - 22)
6/05 H Con Res 84 Budget Resolution FY1999-2000 Conference Report Adopted - House (327 - 97)
5/23 H Con Res 84 Budget Resolution FY1999-2000 Resolution Passed - Senate (78 - 22)
5/22 S Amdt 301 Budget Deficit Amendment Amendment Tabled - Senate (52 - 47)
5/21 H Con Res 84 Budget Resolution FY1999-2000 Resolution Passed - House (333 - 99)
5/15 HR 1469 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (244 - 178)
3/12 H Res 89 Balanced Budget Request resolution Resolution Passed - House (231 - 197)
3/04 S J Res 1 Balanced Budget amendment Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (66 - 34)
9/28 HR 3610 Omnibus FY97 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (370 - 37)
9/24 HR 3666 Veterans Affairs, HUD FY97 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (388 - 25)
9/17 HR 3816 Appropriations bill FY97, Energy and Water Development Conference Report Adopted - Senate (92 - 8)
9/12 HR 3816 Appropriations bill FY97, Energy and Water Development Conference Report Adopted - House (383 - 29)
8/02 HR 3448 Minimum Wage Increase bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (76 - 22)
8/02 HR 3448 Minimum Wage Increase bill Conference Report Adopted - House (354 - 72)
7/25 H Amdt 1359 Energy Research Appropriation Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (198 - 211)
7/25 H Amdt 1360 Renewable Energy Research Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (279 - 135)
7/24 H Amdt 1356 Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Funding Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (184 - 236)
7/09 HR 3448 Minimum Wage Increase bill Bill Passed - Senate (74 - 24)
6/26 HR 3666 Veterans Affairs, HUD FY97 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (269 - 147)
6/20 PN 951 Alan Greenspan, Federal Reserve Chairman Nomination Confirmed - Senate (91 - 7)
6/20 PN 953 Alice M. Rivlin, Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Nomination Confirmed - Senate (57 - 41)
6/20 H Amdt 1183 Forest Service Funding Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (211 - 211)
6/13 H Con Res 178 Fiscal Year 1997 Budget Resolution Conference Report Adopted - Senate (53 - 46)
6/13 HR 3610 Defense Department FY97 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (278 - 126)
6/12 H Con Res 178 Fiscal Year 1997 Budget Resolution Conference Report Adopted - House (216 - 211)
6/06 H J Res 1 Balanced Budget Proposed Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (64 - 35)
5/22 HR 3448 Minimum Wage Increase bill Bill Passed - House (414 - 10)
5/21 HR 3415 Repeal Gas Tax bill Bill Passed - House (301 - 108)
5/16 H Con Res 178 Fiscal Year 1997 Budget Resolution Resolution Passed - House (226 - 195)
4/30 HR 1561 Authorization bill, FY96-97, Foreign Relations Veto Override Failed - House (234 - 188)
4/25 HR 3019 Appropriations bill FY96, Omnibus Conference Report Adopted - Senate (88 - 11)
4/25 HR 3019 Appropriations bill FY96, Omnibus Conference Report Adopted - House (399 - 25)
4/17 HR 842 Truth in Budgeting Act Bill Passed - House (284 - 143)
3/28 HR 1561 Authorization bill, FY96-97, Foreign Relations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 44)
3/19 HR 3019 Appropriations bill FY96, Omnibus Bill Passed - Senate (79 - 21)
3/12 HR 1561 Authorization bill, FY96-97, Foreign Relations Conference Report Adopted - House (226 - 172)
3/07 HR 3019 Appropriations bill FY96, Omnibus Bill Passed - House (209 - 206)
1/04 HR 1977 1996 Interior Appropriations Veto Override Failed - House (239 - 177)
12/22 HR 4 Welfare Reform Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 47)
12/21 HR 4 Welfare Reform Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (245 - 178)
12/14 HR 1977 Interior Department FY96 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (58 - 40)
12/14 HR 2099 Veterans Affairs, HUD FY '96 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (54 - 44)
12/14 HR 1561 Authorization bill, FY96-97, Foreign Relations Bill Passed - Senate (82 - 16)
12/13 HR 1977 Interior Department FY96 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (244 - 181)
12/07 HR 2099 Veterans Affairs, HUD FY '96 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (227 - 190)
12/07 HR 2076 Appropriations bill FY96, Commerce, Justice, State Conference Report Adopted - Senate (50 - 48)
12/06 HR 2076 Appropriations bill FY96, Commerce, Justice, State Conference Report Adopted - House (256 - 166)
11/16 H J Res 122 Continuing Appropriation Bill Bill Passed - House (277 - 151)
11/16 H J Res 122 Continuing Appropriation Bill Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 37)
11/15 HR 2020 Appropriations bill FY96, Treasury, Postal Service Conference Report Adopted - Senate (63 - 35)
11/15 HR 2020 Appropriations bill FY96, Treasury, Postal Service Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 52)
11/02 HR 2546 Appropriations Bill FY 96, District of Columbia Bill Passed - House (224 - 191)
11/01 HR 1868 Appropriations bill, FY96, Foreign Relations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (90 - 6)
10/31 HR 1868 Appropriations bill, FY96, Foreign Relations Conference Report Adopted - House (351 - 71)
10/31 HR 2492 Appropriations Bill FY96, Legislative Branch Bill Passed - House (315 - 106)
10/28 HR 2491 Budget Reconciliation Bill Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 47)
10/26 HR 2491 Budget Reconciliation Bill Bill Passed - House (227 - 203)
10/12 HR 1976 Appropriations bill FY96, Agriculture Conference Report Adopted - House (288 - 132)

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