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
March 26, 2012 IL HB 5789 Establishes State Park Fees Bill Passed - House (81 - 29)
March 22, 2012 ID S 1256 Authorizes the Auction of Big-Game Tags Bill Passed - House (38 - 29)
March 19, 2012 SD HB 1228 Tax Credits for Alternative Energy Projects Veto Override Failed - House (44 - 23)
March 15, 2012 NJ S 1322 Requires Participation In the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
March 15, 2012 ID H 542 Prohibits the State from Limiting the Use of Motorized Vehicles on Public Land Bill Passed - House (48 - 21)
March 15, 2012 NJ S 1322 Requires Participation In the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
March 15, 2012 TN HJR 587 Opposes the United Nations Agenda 21 Joint Resolution Passed - House (72 - 23)
March 9, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 8)
March 9, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 37)
March 9, 2012 FL HB 1263 Health Inspection Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 29)
March 9, 2012 FL HB 1263 Health Inspection Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
March 8, 2012 National S Amdt 1537 Approving the Keystone XL Pipeline Project Amendment Rejected - Senate (56 - 42)
March 8, 2012 FL HB 4001 Repeals Provisions for Cap and Trade Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
March 7, 2012 UT HB 187 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 13)
March 7, 2012 UT HB 187 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
March 5, 2012 GA HB 717 Penalties for Owners of Dogs Involved in a Second Assault Bill Failed - House (82 - 73)
March 1, 2012 SD HB 1228 Tax Credits for Alternative Energy Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 16)
March 1, 2012 FL HB 4001 Repeals Provisions for Cap and Trade Regulations Bill Passed - House (82 - 34)
March 1, 2012 AZ SB 1507 Prohibits Implementation of the United Nations Rio Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
Feb. 29, 2012 National HR 1837 Water Resources in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Bill Passed - House (246 - 175)
Feb. 29, 2012 National HR 1837 Water Resources in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Bill Passed - House (246 - 175)
Feb. 28, 2012 IA HF 589 Prohibits Obtaining Employment at Agriculture Facilities Under False Pretenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 28)
Feb. 28, 2012 SD HB 1228 Tax Credits for Alternative Energy Projects Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Feb. 28, 2012 IA HF 589 Prohibits Obtaining Employment at Agriculture Facilities Under False Pretenses Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 10)
Feb. 24, 2012 ID S 1256 Authorizes the Auction of Big-Game Tags Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Feb. 23, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
Feb. 17, 2012 GA SB 362 Authorizes the Recovery and Sale of Deadhead Logs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Feb. 15, 2012 WI SB 368 Amends Wetland Development Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
Feb. 15, 2012 FL HB 7087 Increases Certain Business Tax Credits and Sales Tax Exemptions Bill Passed - House (92 - 22)
Feb. 9, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
Feb. 7, 2012 OR SB 1510 Establishes Marine Reserves Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
Feb. 7, 2012 OR SB 1510 Establishes Marine Reserves Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
Feb. 6, 2012 UT HB 210 Restricts the Use of Severance Tax Revenue Bill Failed - House (36 - 39)
Jan. 30, 2012 MN Anderson Nomination Confirmation of Ellen Anderson as Public Utilities Commissioner Motion Rejected - Senate (29 - 37)
Jan. 26, 2012 WI AB 426 Requirements for Mining Permits Bill Passed - House (59 - 36)
Jan. 25, 2012 NH Amdt 367s Restricting Eminent Domain Petitions Amendment Adopted - Senate (16 - 8)
Dec. 8, 2011 National HR 1633 Limits Regulation of Farm Dust Bill Passed - House (268 - 150)
Dec. 8, 2011 National HR 1633 Limits Regulation of Farm Dust Bill Passed - House (268 - 150)
Nov. 10, 2011 National S Amdt 928 American Jobs and Economic Growth Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 56)
Nov. 10, 2011 National S J Res 27 Disapproval of EPA Cross-Border Pollution Rule Motion Rejected - Senate (41 - 56)
Oct. 26, 2011 National HR 1904 Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011 Bill Passed - House (235 - 186)
Oct. 21, 2011 National S Amdt 791 Limits Farm Subsidies to Individuals with Incomes Under $1 million Amendment Adopted - Senate (84 - 15)
Oct. 14, 2011 National HR 2273 Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act Bill Passed - House (267 - 144)
Oct. 14, 2011 National HR 2273 Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act Bill Passed - House (267 - 144)
Oct. 13, 2011 MI HB 4815 Exempts Incandescent Light Bulbs Made in Michigan from Congressional Authority Bill Passed - House (62 - 46)
Oct. 6, 2011 National HR 2681 Repeals EPA Emissions Regulations for Cement Manufacturers Bill Passed - House (262 - 161)
Sept. 23, 2011 National H Amdt 800 Requires the EPA to Consider Costs and Feasibility of Air Quality Standards Amendment Adopted - House (227 - 192)
Sept. 23, 2011 National H Amdt 799 Suspends Cross State Air Pollution Rule Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 188)
Sept. 21, 2011 National S Amdt 642 Modifies Eligibility Requirements for Trade Adjustment Assistance Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 57)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
Sept. 7, 2011 NH SB 154 Withdrawing from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Veto Override Failed - Senate (15 - 9)
Sept. 7, 2011 NH SB 154 Withdrawing from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Veto Override Failed - Senate (15 - 9)
Sept. 7, 2011 CA SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Bill Passed - House (63 - 13)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 376 Prohibiting the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
July 27, 2011 National H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
July 27, 2011 National H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
July 13, 2011 National HR 2018 Amending Clean Water Laws Bill Passed - House (239 - 184)
July 12, 2011 National HR 2417 Repeals Energy Efficiency Standards for Incandescent Light Bulbs Motion Rejected - House (233 - 193)
June 29, 2011 NJ S 2576 Prohibits Hydraulic Fracturing Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
June 28, 2011 OH HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
June 28, 2011 AK SB 45 Extending the Coastal Management Program Bill Failed - House (18 - 18)
June 27, 2011 AK SB 45 Extending the Coastal Management Program Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 7)
June 23, 2011 DE SB 129 Removes Protected Wildlife Designation from Coyotes Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
June 22, 2011 OH HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
June 22, 2011 National HR 2021 Impact of Drilling on Air Quality Bill Passed - House (253 - 166)
June 15, 2011 OH HB 133 Establishes the Oil and Gas Leasing Commission Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
June 2, 2011 CA SB 568 Recycling Polystyrene Food Containers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
May 31, 2011 IL SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 24)
May 31, 2011 IL HB 1723 Amending The Illinois Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 44)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Bill Passed - House (67 - 47)
May 25, 2011 OH HB 133 Establishes the Oil and Gas Leasing Commission Bill Passed - House (54 - 41)
May 16, 2011 CA SB 104 Labor Representatives Bill Passed - House (51 - 26)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition Bill Passed - House (76 - 54)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition Bill Passed - House (76 - 54)
May 9, 2011 CO HB 1005 Repeals Taxes on Agricultural Products Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 18)
May 6, 2011 CO HB 1005 Repeals Taxes on Agricultural Products Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
April 20, 2011 MT HB 198 Eminent Domain Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
April 20, 2011 OR HB 2337 Cougar Hunting Zones Bill Passed - House (45 - 14)
April 20, 2011 WA SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 14, 2011 AL HB 126 Extending Forever Wild Land Trust Bill Passed - House (69 - 24)
April 13, 2011 MO SB 113 Regulating Animal Care Facilities Bill Passed - House (85 - 71)
April 11, 2011 MD SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 20)
April 9, 2011 MD SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
April 7, 2011 National HR 910 Energy Tax Prevention Act Bill Passed - House (255 - 172)
March 31, 2011 CA SB 104 Labor Representatives Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
March 30, 2011 NH HB 519 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (251 - 108)
March 30, 2011 NH HB 519 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (251 - 108)
March 29, 2011 WA SB 5251 Electric Vehicle Registration Fees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
March 29, 2011 WA SB 5251 Electric Vehicle Registration Fees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
March 23, 2011 IA SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
March 22, 2011 IA SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
March 14, 2011 NJ A 3648 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
March 10, 2011 MO SB 113 Regulating Animal Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
March 5, 2011 WA SB 5769 Coal-Fired Power Plants Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
March 5, 2011 WA SB 5769 Coal-Fired Power Plants Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
March 3, 2011 NJ A 2215 Loans for Development of Green Buildings Veto Override Failed - House (44 - 32)
March 2, 2011 WV HB 2879 One-Time Pay Raise for State Employees Bill Passed - House (78 - 22)
March 1, 2011 AZ SB 1394 Regulation of Greenhouse Substances and Freedom to Breathe Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
Feb. 28, 2011 MN HF 1 Environmental Review Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 42)
Feb. 28, 2011 WA HB 1489 Anti-Phosphorus Fertilizer Bill Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/26 HB 5789 Establishes State Park Fees Bill Passed - House (81 - 29)
3/22 S 1256 Authorizes the Auction of Big-Game Tags Bill Passed - House (38 - 29)
3/19 HB 1228 Tax Credits for Alternative Energy Projects Veto Override Failed - House (44 - 23)
3/15 S 1322 Requires Participation In the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
3/15 H 542 Prohibits the State from Limiting the Use of Motorized Vehicles on Public Land Bill Passed - House (48 - 21)
3/15 S 1322 Requires Participation In the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
3/15 HJR 587 Opposes the United Nations Agenda 21 Joint Resolution Passed - House (72 - 23)
3/09 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 8)
3/09 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 37)
3/09 HB 1263 Health Inspection Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 29)
3/09 HB 1263 Health Inspection Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
3/08 S Amdt 1537 Approving the Keystone XL Pipeline Project Amendment Rejected - Senate (56 - 42)
3/08 HB 4001 Repeals Provisions for Cap and Trade Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
3/07 HB 187 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 13)
3/07 HB 187 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
3/05 HB 717 Penalties for Owners of Dogs Involved in a Second Assault Bill Failed - House (82 - 73)
3/01 HB 1228 Tax Credits for Alternative Energy Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 16)
3/01 HB 4001 Repeals Provisions for Cap and Trade Regulations Bill Passed - House (82 - 34)
3/01 SB 1507 Prohibits Implementation of the United Nations Rio Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
2/29 HR 1837 Water Resources in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Bill Passed - House (246 - 175)
2/29 HR 1837 Water Resources in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Bill Passed - House (246 - 175)
2/28 HF 589 Prohibits Obtaining Employment at Agriculture Facilities Under False Pretenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 28)
2/28 HB 1228 Tax Credits for Alternative Energy Projects Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
2/28 HF 589 Prohibits Obtaining Employment at Agriculture Facilities Under False Pretenses Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 10)
2/24 S 1256 Authorizes the Auction of Big-Game Tags Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
2/23 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
2/17 SB 362 Authorizes the Recovery and Sale of Deadhead Logs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
2/15 SB 368 Amends Wetland Development Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
2/15 HB 7087 Increases Certain Business Tax Credits and Sales Tax Exemptions Bill Passed - House (92 - 22)
2/09 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
2/07 SB 1510 Establishes Marine Reserves Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
2/07 SB 1510 Establishes Marine Reserves Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
2/06 HB 210 Restricts the Use of Severance Tax Revenue Bill Failed - House (36 - 39)
1/30 Anderson Nomination Confirmation of Ellen Anderson as Public Utilities Commissioner Motion Rejected - Senate (29 - 37)
1/26 AB 426 Requirements for Mining Permits Bill Passed - House (59 - 36)
1/25 Amdt 367s Restricting Eminent Domain Petitions Amendment Adopted - Senate (16 - 8)
12/08 HR 1633 Limits Regulation of Farm Dust Bill Passed - House (268 - 150)
12/08 HR 1633 Limits Regulation of Farm Dust Bill Passed - House (268 - 150)
11/10 S Amdt 928 American Jobs and Economic Growth Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 56)
11/10 S J Res 27 Disapproval of EPA Cross-Border Pollution Rule Motion Rejected - Senate (41 - 56)
10/26 HR 1904 Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011 Bill Passed - House (235 - 186)
10/21 S Amdt 791 Limits Farm Subsidies to Individuals with Incomes Under $1 million Amendment Adopted - Senate (84 - 15)
10/14 HR 2273 Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act Bill Passed - House (267 - 144)
10/14 HR 2273 Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act Bill Passed - House (267 - 144)
10/13 HB 4815 Exempts Incandescent Light Bulbs Made in Michigan from Congressional Authority Bill Passed - House (62 - 46)
10/06 HR 2681 Repeals EPA Emissions Regulations for Cement Manufacturers Bill Passed - House (262 - 161)
9/23 H Amdt 800 Requires the EPA to Consider Costs and Feasibility of Air Quality Standards Amendment Adopted - House (227 - 192)
9/23 H Amdt 799 Suspends Cross State Air Pollution Rule Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 188)
9/21 S Amdt 642 Modifies Eligibility Requirements for Trade Adjustment Assistance Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 57)
9/09 SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
9/07 SB 154 Withdrawing from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Veto Override Failed - Senate (15 - 9)
9/07 SB 154 Withdrawing from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Veto Override Failed - Senate (15 - 9)
9/07 SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Bill Passed - House (63 - 13)
9/06 AB 376 Prohibiting the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
7/27 H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
7/27 H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
7/13 HR 2018 Amending Clean Water Laws Bill Passed - House (239 - 184)
7/12 HR 2417 Repeals Energy Efficiency Standards for Incandescent Light Bulbs Motion Rejected - House (233 - 193)
6/29 S 2576 Prohibits Hydraulic Fracturing Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
6/28 HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
6/28 SB 45 Extending the Coastal Management Program Bill Failed - House (18 - 18)
6/27 SB 45 Extending the Coastal Management Program Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 7)
6/23 SB 129 Removes Protected Wildlife Designation from Coyotes Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
6/22 HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
6/22 HR 2021 Impact of Drilling on Air Quality Bill Passed - House (253 - 166)
6/15 HB 133 Establishes the Oil and Gas Leasing Commission Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
6/02 SB 568 Recycling Polystyrene Food Containers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
5/31 SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 24)
5/31 HB 1723 Amending The Illinois Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 44)
5/30 SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Bill Passed - House (67 - 47)
5/25 HB 133 Establishes the Oil and Gas Leasing Commission Bill Passed - House (54 - 41)
5/16 SB 104 Labor Representatives Bill Passed - House (51 - 26)
5/11 SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition Bill Passed - House (76 - 54)
5/11 SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition Bill Passed - House (76 - 54)
5/09 HB 1005 Repeals Taxes on Agricultural Products Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 18)
5/06 HB 1005 Repeals Taxes on Agricultural Products Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
4/20 HB 198 Eminent Domain Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
4/20 HB 2337 Cougar Hunting Zones Bill Passed - House (45 - 14)
4/20 SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/14 HB 126 Extending Forever Wild Land Trust Bill Passed - House (69 - 24)
4/13 SB 113 Regulating Animal Care Facilities Bill Passed - House (85 - 71)
4/11 SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 20)
4/09 SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
4/07 HR 910 Energy Tax Prevention Act Bill Passed - House (255 - 172)
3/31 SB 104 Labor Representatives Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
3/30 HB 519 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (251 - 108)
3/30 HB 519 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (251 - 108)
3/29 SB 5251 Electric Vehicle Registration Fees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
3/29 SB 5251 Electric Vehicle Registration Fees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
3/23 SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
3/22 SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
3/14 A 3648 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
3/10 SB 113 Regulating Animal Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
3/05 SB 5769 Coal-Fired Power Plants Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
3/05 SB 5769 Coal-Fired Power Plants Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
3/03 A 2215 Loans for Development of Green Buildings Veto Override Failed - House (44 - 32)
3/02 HB 2879 One-Time Pay Raise for State Employees Bill Passed - House (78 - 22)
3/01 SB 1394 Regulation of Greenhouse Substances and Freedom to Breathe Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
2/28 HF 1 Environmental Review Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 42)
2/28 HB 1489 Anti-Phosphorus Fertilizer Bill Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)

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