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
June 1, 2011 CT SB 1152 Funding for Construction at the University of Connecticut Health Center Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 31, 2011 LA SB 108 Limits Tax and Bond Elections Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 28, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
May 27, 2011 CT HB 6650 Appropriations for Judicial Branch and Other Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 26, 2011 MI HB 4325 Education Appropriations for 2011-2013 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
May 26, 2011 MI HB 4526 2011-2012 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 15)
May 25, 2011 National H Con Res 34 2011-2012 Budget Motion Rejected - Senate (40 - 57)
May 25, 2011 National S Con Res 21 2012 Budget Motion Rejected - Senate (42 - 55)
May 23, 2011 NY S 1707 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 18)
May 23, 2011 NJ S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
May 18, 2011 TN SJR 221 Constitutional Amendment to Prohibit State Income Tax Amendment Adopted - Senate (26 - 4)
May 18, 2011 MN SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 28)
May 18, 2011 NV SB 75 Investment in Private Equity Firms Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
May 17, 2011 National S 940 Amending Oil Company Tax Laws Motion Rejected - Senate (52 - 48)
May 12, 2011 KS HB 2014 2011-2012 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4361 Income Tax Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4479 Interstate Compact and Business Tax Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4362 Business Tax Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4481 Public School Employees' Pension and Tax Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4483 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Public Library Employees Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4480 Tax Exemption and Pension Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4484 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Judges and State Officials Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
May 10, 2011 NV AB 568 2011-2013 Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 6, 2011 UT SB 229 Transportation Funding Revisions Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
May 6, 2011 FL HB 5305 Eliminating the Correctional Medical Authority Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 13)
May 6, 2011 FL SB 2000 2011-2012 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 8)
May 6, 2011 CO HB 1005 Repeals Taxes on Agricultural Products Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
May 5, 2011 VT H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
May 4, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 4, 2011 FL HJR 381 Homestead and Property Assessment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
May 2, 2011 CT SB 1239 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
April 28, 2011 MT HB 2 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
April 25, 2011 OR SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
April 14, 2011 NC HB 383 Relating to Unemployment Insurance Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
April 14, 2011 National HR 1473 2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (81 - 19)
April 12, 2011 MT HB 2 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Conference Report Rejected - Senate (25 - 25)
April 12, 2011 GA HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 10)
April 11, 2011 MT HB 439 Authorizing New Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
April 7, 2011 AL SB 133 2011-2012 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 5, 2011 AZ HB 2619 Unemployment Security Special Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
April 4, 2011 ID S 1202 Appropriations to Secretary of State Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
April 1, 2011 AZ SB 1618 2011-2012 Budget Reconciliation for Higher Education Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 1, 2011 AZ SB 1619 Provisions to Health and Health Care for 2011-2012 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 1, 2011 AZ SB 1617 K-12 Education Budget for 2011-2012 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 30, 2011 NY S 2808 Implementing the Education, Labor, and Family Assistance Budget Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 13)
March 27, 2011 MS SB 3100 Issuance of State Bonds for Improvements in Higher Learning Institutions Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 10)
March 24, 2011 ID S 1182 2012-2013 State Liquor Division Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
March 17, 2011 National H J Res 48 Additional Continuing Appropriations Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (87 - 13)
March 16, 2011 NM HB 2 General Appropriation Act of 2011 Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
March 16, 2011 AZ SB 1613 Budget Proposal Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 10, 2011 AZ SCR 1019 State Appropriations Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 9, 2011 WI AB 11 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 1)
March 9, 2011 MI SB 158 Collective Bargaining Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
March 9, 2011 NC SB 13 2010-2011 Budget Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
March 9, 2011 National HR 1 Continuing Appropriations Bill Failed - Senate (44 - 56)
March 9, 2011 National S Amdt 149 Department of Defense funding and Continuing Appropriations Amendment Rejected - Senate (42 - 58)
March 9, 2011 TN SJR 18 Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting an Income Tax Amendment Adopted - Senate (28 - 5)
March 3, 2011 NJ S 1216 Loans for Women and Minority-Owned Businesses Veto Override Failed - Senate (23 - 16)
March 2, 2011 KY HB 305 2010-2012 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
March 2, 2011 National H J Res 44 Continuing Appropriations Amendments Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (91 - 9)
March 2, 2011 National S Amdt 115 Calling for a Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (58 - 40)
March 2, 2011 AZ SB 1231 State Spending Cap Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 1, 2011 National S Amdt 112 Prioritizing Payment of Public Debt Amendment Tabled - Senate (52 - 47)
Feb. 28, 2011 UT SB 270 Modifications to Sales and Use Tax Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
Feb. 23, 2011 TX SJR 1 Urging Congress to Propose a Balanced Budget Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
Feb. 22, 2011 AR SB 275 Reduction of Excise Tax on Electricity and Natural Gas Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Feb. 21, 2011 VA SB 1446 Transportation Budget Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (1 - 38)
Feb. 17, 2011 VA HB 2527 Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Fund and Bank Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
Feb. 17, 2011 NJ S2636 Reduction of Toll Road Prices Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
Feb. 16, 2011 AZ HB 2001 Tax Reductions for Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
Feb. 16, 2011 IA SF 166 Funding for Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
Feb. 15, 2011 KS HB 2014 2011-2012 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 7, 2011 NC SB 13 2010-2011 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
Feb. 3, 2011 MN HF 130 2010-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
Feb. 2, 2011 National S Amdt 28 Repealing the IRS 1099 Provision from the Health Care Law Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 54)
Feb. 2, 2011 National S Amdt 9 Repealing the IRS 1099 Provision from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Motion Agreed - Senate (81 - 17)
Jan. 31, 2011 NY S 2706 Limitations on Tax Levies Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 17)
Jan. 31, 2011 NY S 2707 Funding State Mandated Programs Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20)
Jan. 20, 2011 WI SB 2 Tax Benefits for Health Savings Accounts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Jan. 19, 2011 NY S 1892 Limiting State Spending Amendment Adopted - Senate (41 - 19)
Jan. 19, 2011 NY S 1919 Amends Rules for Legislature Amendment Adopted - Senate (41 - 19)
Jan. 19, 2011 NY S 1891 New York Jobs Tax Credit Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 9)
Jan. 11, 2011 IL SB 2505 Amends Property Tax Code Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 29)
Dec. 21, 2010 National HR 3082 Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (79 - 16)
Dec. 15, 2010 National HR 4853 Temporary Extension of Tax Relief Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (81 - 19)
Dec. 4, 2010 National S Amdt 4728 Extension of Tax Cuts for Those Making Under $1 Million Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 37)
Dec. 4, 2010 National S Amdt 4727 Extension of Tax Cuts for Those Making Under $250,000 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 36)
Nov. 30, 2010 National S Amdt 4697 Prohibiting Earmarks Motion Rejected - Senate (39 - 56)
Nov. 17, 2010 PA HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
Sept. 29, 2010 National HR 3081 Continuing Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (69 - 30)
Sept. 29, 2010 National S Amdt 4676 Reducing "Continuing Appropriation" Amounts by 5 Percent Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 51)
Sept. 28, 2010 National S 3816 Tax Law Amendments Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 45)
Sept. 23, 2010 MI SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Sept. 22, 2010 MI SB 884 Tax Amnesty Period Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
Sept. 21, 2010 MI SB 1152 2010-2011 Department of Community Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 10)
Sept. 20, 2010 NJ S 2139 2010-2011 Supplemental Health Services Budget Veto Override Failed - Senate (23 - 17)
Sept. 16, 2010 National HR 5297 Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 38)
Sept. 15, 2010 MI SB 1151 Community College Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 5)
Sept. 8, 2010 MI HB 6086 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Aug. 31, 2010 CA SB 1391 Business Tax Incentive Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (20 - 17)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/01 SB 1152 Funding for Construction at the University of Connecticut Health Center Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/31 SB 108 Limits Tax and Bond Elections Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/28 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
5/27 HB 6650 Appropriations for Judicial Branch and Other Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/26 HB 4325 Education Appropriations for 2011-2013 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
5/26 HB 4526 2011-2012 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 15)
5/25 H Con Res 34 2011-2012 Budget Motion Rejected - Senate (40 - 57)
5/25 S Con Res 21 2012 Budget Motion Rejected - Senate (42 - 55)
5/23 S 1707 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 18)
5/23 S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
5/18 SJR 221 Constitutional Amendment to Prohibit State Income Tax Amendment Adopted - Senate (26 - 4)
5/18 SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 28)
5/18 SB 75 Investment in Private Equity Firms Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
5/17 S 940 Amending Oil Company Tax Laws Motion Rejected - Senate (52 - 48)
5/12 HB 2014 2011-2012 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
5/12 HB 4361 Income Tax Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
5/12 HB 4479 Interstate Compact and Business Tax Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
5/12 HB 4362 Business Tax Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
5/12 HB 4481 Public School Employees' Pension and Tax Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
5/12 HB 4483 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Public Library Employees Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
5/12 HB 4480 Tax Exemption and Pension Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
5/12 HB 4484 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Judges and State Officials Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
5/10 AB 568 2011-2013 Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/06 SB 229 Transportation Funding Revisions Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
5/06 HB 5305 Eliminating the Correctional Medical Authority Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 13)
5/06 SB 2000 2011-2012 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 8)
5/06 HB 1005 Repeals Taxes on Agricultural Products Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
5/05 H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
5/04 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/04 HJR 381 Homestead and Property Assessment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
5/02 SB 1239 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
4/28 HB 2 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
4/25 SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
4/14 HB 383 Relating to Unemployment Insurance Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
4/14 HR 1473 2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (81 - 19)
4/12 HB 2 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Conference Report Rejected - Senate (25 - 25)
4/12 HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 10)
4/11 HB 439 Authorizing New Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
4/07 SB 133 2011-2012 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/05 HB 2619 Unemployment Security Special Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
4/04 S 1202 Appropriations to Secretary of State Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
4/01 SB 1618 2011-2012 Budget Reconciliation for Higher Education Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/01 SB 1619 Provisions to Health and Health Care for 2011-2012 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/01 SB 1617 K-12 Education Budget for 2011-2012 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/30 S 2808 Implementing the Education, Labor, and Family Assistance Budget Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 13)
3/27 SB 3100 Issuance of State Bonds for Improvements in Higher Learning Institutions Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 10)
3/24 S 1182 2012-2013 State Liquor Division Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
3/17 H J Res 48 Additional Continuing Appropriations Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (87 - 13)
3/16 HB 2 General Appropriation Act of 2011 Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
3/16 SB 1613 Budget Proposal Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/10 SCR 1019 State Appropriations Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/09 AB 11 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 1)
3/09 SB 158 Collective Bargaining Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
3/09 SB 13 2010-2011 Budget Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
3/09 HR 1 Continuing Appropriations Bill Failed - Senate (44 - 56)
3/09 S Amdt 149 Department of Defense funding and Continuing Appropriations Amendment Rejected - Senate (42 - 58)
3/09 SJR 18 Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting an Income Tax Amendment Adopted - Senate (28 - 5)
3/03 S 1216 Loans for Women and Minority-Owned Businesses Veto Override Failed - Senate (23 - 16)
3/02 HB 305 2010-2012 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
3/02 H J Res 44 Continuing Appropriations Amendments Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (91 - 9)
3/02 S Amdt 115 Calling for a Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (58 - 40)
3/02 SB 1231 State Spending Cap Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/01 S Amdt 112 Prioritizing Payment of Public Debt Amendment Tabled - Senate (52 - 47)
2/28 SB 270 Modifications to Sales and Use Tax Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
2/23 SJR 1 Urging Congress to Propose a Balanced Budget Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
2/22 SB 275 Reduction of Excise Tax on Electricity and Natural Gas Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
2/21 SB 1446 Transportation Budget Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (1 - 38)
2/17 HB 2527 Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Fund and Bank Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
2/17 S2636 Reduction of Toll Road Prices Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
2/16 HB 2001 Tax Reductions for Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
2/16 SF 166 Funding for Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
2/15 HB 2014 2011-2012 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
2/07 SB 13 2010-2011 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
2/03 HF 130 2010-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
2/02 S Amdt 28 Repealing the IRS 1099 Provision from the Health Care Law Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 54)
2/02 S Amdt 9 Repealing the IRS 1099 Provision from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Motion Agreed - Senate (81 - 17)
1/31 S 2706 Limitations on Tax Levies Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 17)
1/31 S 2707 Funding State Mandated Programs Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20)
1/20 SB 2 Tax Benefits for Health Savings Accounts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
1/19 S 1892 Limiting State Spending Amendment Adopted - Senate (41 - 19)
1/19 S 1919 Amends Rules for Legislature Amendment Adopted - Senate (41 - 19)
1/19 S 1891 New York Jobs Tax Credit Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 9)
1/11 SB 2505 Amends Property Tax Code Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 29)
12/21 HR 3082 Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (79 - 16)
12/15 HR 4853 Temporary Extension of Tax Relief Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (81 - 19)
12/04 S Amdt 4728 Extension of Tax Cuts for Those Making Under $1 Million Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 37)
12/04 S Amdt 4727 Extension of Tax Cuts for Those Making Under $250,000 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 36)
11/30 S Amdt 4697 Prohibiting Earmarks Motion Rejected - Senate (39 - 56)
11/17 HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
9/29 HR 3081 Continuing Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (69 - 30)
9/29 S Amdt 4676 Reducing "Continuing Appropriation" Amounts by 5 Percent Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 51)
9/28 S 3816 Tax Law Amendments Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 45)
9/23 SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
9/22 SB 884 Tax Amnesty Period Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
9/21 SB 1152 2010-2011 Department of Community Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 10)
9/20 S 2139 2010-2011 Supplemental Health Services Budget Veto Override Failed - Senate (23 - 17)
9/16 HR 5297 Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 38)
9/15 SB 1151 Community College Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 5)
9/08 HB 6086 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
8/31 SB 1391 Business Tax Incentive Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (20 - 17)

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