Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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
April 13, 2009 MD SB 278 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Bill Passed - House (107 - 30)
April 7, 2009 ID H 138 Allowing Lawsuits for Nonnative Species Attacks Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
April 7, 2009 ID H 138 Allowing Lawsuits for Nonnative Species Attacks Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
April 7, 2009 ID H 276 2009-2010 Department of Environmental Quality Budget Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
March 27, 2009 VT H 436 Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Fund Amendments Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
March 25, 2009 National HR 146 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (285 - 140)
March 25, 2009 National HR 146 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (285 - 140)
March 20, 2009 KS HB 2295 Dairy Labeling Requirements Bill Passed - House (75 - 44)
March 11, 2009 National S 22 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Failed - House (282 - 144)
March 11, 2009 National S 22 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Failed - House (282 - 144)
March 9, 2009 UT HB 379 Environmental Lawsuit Delay Bond Bill Passed - House (52 - 22)
March 4, 2009 OK HB 1332 Increased Regulation of Pet Breeders Bill Passed - House (74 - 26)
March 3, 2009 UT HB 187 Restricting Access to Public Waters on Private Property Bill Failed - House (34 - 41)
Feb. 27, 2009 KS HB 2014 Allowing Coal Power Plants Bill Passed - House (79 - 44)
Feb. 27, 2009 KS HB 2014 Allowing Coal Power Plants Bill Passed - House (79 - 44)
Feb. 26, 2009 GA SB 31 Energy Rate Increases to Finance Nuclear Power Plant Construction Bill Passed - House (107 - 66)
Feb. 25, 2009 MT HB 418 Amendments Regarding Horse Slaughterhouses Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
Feb. 25, 2009 IN HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
Feb. 25, 2009 IN HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
Feb. 11, 2009 WY HB 32 Gray Wolf Management Plan Amendments Bill Failed - House (7 - 52)
Feb. 2, 2009 SD HB 1004 Legalizing the Killing of Threatening Mountain Lions Bill Passed - House (37 - 32)
Jan. 22, 2009 MS HB 1090 Increasing Public Utilities Staff Oversight Bill Passed - House (64 - 53)
Jan. 20, 2009 MT HB 62 Mandatory Trapper Education Course Bill Passed - House (51 - 48)
Jan. 14, 2009 FL SB 2-A 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 43)
Nov. 17, 2008 NJ A 3374 Public Assistance Appropriations Bill Passed - House (67 - 10)
Oct. 27, 2008 NJ A 2550 Renewable Energy Facilities Within Industrial Districts Bill Passed - House (60 - 15)
Oct. 27, 2008 NJ A 2550 Renewable Energy Facilities Within Industrial Districts Bill Passed - House (60 - 15)
Sept. 27, 2008 National HR 7081 United States - India Nuclear Agreement Bill Passed - House (298 - 117)
Sept. 26, 2008 National HR 7060 Renewable Energy Credits and Other Business and Individual Credits Bill Passed - House (257 - 166)
Sept. 18, 2008 MI SB 213 Renewable Electricity Standards Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 24)
Sept. 18, 2008 MI HB 5524 Energy Utility Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 29)
Sept. 18, 2008 MI SB 213 Renewable Electricity Standards Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 24)
Sept. 18, 2008 MI HB 5524 Energy Utility Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 29)
Sept. 16, 2008 National HR 6899 Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling and Extending Certain Renewable Energy Tax Credits Bill Passed - House (236 - 189)
Aug. 29, 2008 CA AB 2386 Agricultural Union Election Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 31)
Aug. 29, 2008 CA AB 1107 Drought-Related Unemployment Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 18)
Aug. 28, 2008 CA AB 2765 Aerial Spraying Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14)
Aug. 25, 2008 CA SB 375 Global Warming and Land Use Policy Bill Passed - House (49 - 22)
Aug. 12, 2008 CA AB 1946 Expanding Enforcement of Water Pollution Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 29)
Aug. 12, 2008 CA AB 2270 Water Softener Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 19)
Aug. 7, 2008 AK SB 4002 Energy Rebate Bill Bill Passed - House (33 - 5)
Aug. 6, 2008 AK SB 4002 Energy Rebate Bill Bill Passed - House (30 - 7)
July 22, 2008 AK HB 3001 Natural Gas Pipeline to Canada Bill Passed - House (24 - 16)
July 18, 2008 NC HB 2499 Water Management During Droughts Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 36)
July 16, 2008 National HR 415 Adding Parts of the Taunton River to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Bill Passed - House (242 - 175)
July 15, 2008 NC HB 2499 Water Management During Droughts Bill Passed - House (92 - 20)
June 26, 2008 National HR 6377 Energy Futures Trading Bill Passed - House (402 - 19)
June 25, 2008 AZ HB 2156 Reviews for Potential Railroad Sites Concurrence Vote Passed - House (40 - 12)
June 18, 2008 National HR 6124 Second Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Veto Override Passed - House (317 - 109)
June 4, 2008 MI HB 5068 Great Lakes Water Management Bill Passed - House (56 - 52)
May 28, 2008 CA AB 1991 Development on Half Moon Bay Bill Passed - House (46 - 18)
May 28, 2008 CA AB 2058 Paper and Plastic Bag Tax Bill Passed - House (44 - 33)
May 27, 2008 CA AB 3025 Polystyrene Packaging Regulations Bill Passed - House (42 - 32)
May 21, 2008 National HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Veto Override Passed - House (316 - 108)
May 21, 2008 National HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Veto Override Passed - House (316 - 108)
May 21, 2008 National HR 6049 Alternative Energy Tax Incentives Bill Passed - House (263 - 160)
May 15, 2008 IL SB 2052 Taxes for Levee Repair Bill Passed - House (64 - 44)
May 14, 2008 National HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Conference Report Adopted - House (318 - 106)
May 14, 2008 National HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Conference Report Adopted - House (318 - 106)
May 13, 2008 MN HF 3195 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap and Trade Program Report Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 36)
May 13, 2008 MN HF 3195 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap and Trade Program Report Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 36)
May 12, 2008 AZ HB 2017 Legislative Approval for Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 22)
May 7, 2008 KS HB 2412 Coal Plant Incentives Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 48)
May 7, 2008 KS SB 586 Incentives to Develop Nuclear Power Facilities Conference Report Adopted - House (101 - 22)
May 7, 2008 KS SB 586 Incentives to Develop Nuclear Power Facilities Conference Report Adopted - House (101 - 22)
May 7, 2008 KS HB 2412 Coal Plant Incentives Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 48)
May 5, 2008 KS HB 2860 Eminent Domain and Water Rights Conference Report Adopted - House (64 - 57)
May 5, 2008 CO HB 1161 Mining Regulation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 15)
May 5, 2008 CO HB 1161 Mining Regulation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 15)
May 5, 2008 CO HB 1325 Seasonal Foreign Worker Pilot Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 17)
May 5, 2008 CO SB 226 Zebra Mussels Ban Bill Passed - House (54 - 11)
May 5, 2008 CA AB 2233 Ban on Holding Pets While Driving Bill Passed - House (44 - 20)
May 1, 2008 KS SB 148 Electricity Generation and Conservation Veto Override Failed - House (80 - 45)
May 1, 2008 KS SB 148 Electricity Generation and Conservation Veto Override Failed - House (80 - 45)
April 29, 2008 National S 2739 Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 Bill Passed - House (291 - 117)
April 23, 2008 MN HF 3195 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap and Trade Program Report Bill Passed - House (91 - 38)
April 23, 2008 MN HF 3195 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap and Trade Program Report Bill Passed - House (91 - 38)
April 22, 2008 CO HB 1325 Seasonal Foreign Worker Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (46 - 18)
April 17, 2008 MI HB 5524 Energy Utility Regulations Bill Passed - House (78 - 30)
April 17, 2008 MI HB 5525 Energy Efficiency Program Bill Passed - House (81 - 18)
April 17, 2008 MI HB 5525 Energy Efficiency Program Bill Passed - House (81 - 18)
April 17, 2008 MI HB 5548 Renewable Energy Portfolios Bill Passed - House (86 - 21)
April 17, 2008 MI HB 5548 Renewable Energy Portfolios Bill Passed - House (86 - 21)
April 17, 2008 MI HB 5549 Renewable Energy Portfolio Exemptions Bill Passed - House (84 - 21)
April 17, 2008 MI HB 5549 Renewable Energy Portfolio Exemptions Bill Passed - House (84 - 21)
April 17, 2008 MI HB 5524 Energy Utility Regulations Bill Passed - House (78 - 30)
April 16, 2008 MS SB 2793 Utility Rate Increases During Planning or Construction of Plants Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 37)
April 15, 2008 CO HB 1270 Prohibiting Restrictions on Energy Efficiency Measures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 10)
April 15, 2008 CO HB 1270 Prohibiting Restrictions on Energy Efficiency Measures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 10)
April 10, 2008 IA SJR 2002 Natural Resources Trust Fund Joint Resolution Passed - House (88 - 10)
April 7, 2008 MD SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Passed - House (113 - 25)
April 7, 2008 MD SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Passed - House (113 - 25)
April 7, 2008 MD HB 374 Energy Efficiency Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (101 - 33)
April 7, 2008 MD HB 375 Increasing Renewable Energy Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 24)
April 7, 2008 MD HB 374 Energy Efficiency Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (101 - 33)
April 7, 2008 MD HB 375 Increasing Renewable Energy Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 24)
April 7, 2008 MD SB 1013 Regulation of Power Plants Bill Passed - House (102 - 38)
April 4, 2008 KS SB 148 Electricity Generation and Conservation Bill Passed - House (83 - 41)
April 4, 2008 KS SB 148 Electricity Generation and Conservation Bill Passed - House (83 - 41)
April 4, 2008 MD HB 1626 Public Utilitiy Regulation Bill Passed - House (98 - 41)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/13 SB 278 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Bill Passed - House (107 - 30)
4/07 H 138 Allowing Lawsuits for Nonnative Species Attacks Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
4/07 H 138 Allowing Lawsuits for Nonnative Species Attacks Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
4/07 H 276 2009-2010 Department of Environmental Quality Budget Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
3/27 H 436 Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Fund Amendments Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
3/25 HR 146 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (285 - 140)
3/25 HR 146 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (285 - 140)
3/20 HB 2295 Dairy Labeling Requirements Bill Passed - House (75 - 44)
3/11 S 22 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Failed - House (282 - 144)
3/11 S 22 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Failed - House (282 - 144)
3/09 HB 379 Environmental Lawsuit Delay Bond Bill Passed - House (52 - 22)
3/04 HB 1332 Increased Regulation of Pet Breeders Bill Passed - House (74 - 26)
3/03 HB 187 Restricting Access to Public Waters on Private Property Bill Failed - House (34 - 41)
2/27 HB 2014 Allowing Coal Power Plants Bill Passed - House (79 - 44)
2/27 HB 2014 Allowing Coal Power Plants Bill Passed - House (79 - 44)
2/26 SB 31 Energy Rate Increases to Finance Nuclear Power Plant Construction Bill Passed - House (107 - 66)
2/25 HB 418 Amendments Regarding Horse Slaughterhouses Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
2/25 HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
2/25 HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
2/11 HB 32 Gray Wolf Management Plan Amendments Bill Failed - House (7 - 52)
2/02 HB 1004 Legalizing the Killing of Threatening Mountain Lions Bill Passed - House (37 - 32)
1/22 HB 1090 Increasing Public Utilities Staff Oversight Bill Passed - House (64 - 53)
1/20 HB 62 Mandatory Trapper Education Course Bill Passed - House (51 - 48)
1/14 SB 2-A 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 43)
11/17 A 3374 Public Assistance Appropriations Bill Passed - House (67 - 10)
10/27 A 2550 Renewable Energy Facilities Within Industrial Districts Bill Passed - House (60 - 15)
10/27 A 2550 Renewable Energy Facilities Within Industrial Districts Bill Passed - House (60 - 15)
9/27 HR 7081 United States - India Nuclear Agreement Bill Passed - House (298 - 117)
9/26 HR 7060 Renewable Energy Credits and Other Business and Individual Credits Bill Passed - House (257 - 166)
9/18 SB 213 Renewable Electricity Standards Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 24)
9/18 HB 5524 Energy Utility Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 29)
9/18 SB 213 Renewable Electricity Standards Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 24)
9/18 HB 5524 Energy Utility Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 29)
9/16 HR 6899 Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling and Extending Certain Renewable Energy Tax Credits Bill Passed - House (236 - 189)
8/29 AB 2386 Agricultural Union Election Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 31)
8/29 AB 1107 Drought-Related Unemployment Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 18)
8/28 AB 2765 Aerial Spraying Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14)
8/25 SB 375 Global Warming and Land Use Policy Bill Passed - House (49 - 22)
8/12 AB 1946 Expanding Enforcement of Water Pollution Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 29)
8/12 AB 2270 Water Softener Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 19)
8/07 SB 4002 Energy Rebate Bill Bill Passed - House (33 - 5)
8/06 SB 4002 Energy Rebate Bill Bill Passed - House (30 - 7)
7/22 HB 3001 Natural Gas Pipeline to Canada Bill Passed - House (24 - 16)
7/18 HB 2499 Water Management During Droughts Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 36)
7/16 HR 415 Adding Parts of the Taunton River to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Bill Passed - House (242 - 175)
7/15 HB 2499 Water Management During Droughts Bill Passed - House (92 - 20)
6/26 HR 6377 Energy Futures Trading Bill Passed - House (402 - 19)
6/25 HB 2156 Reviews for Potential Railroad Sites Concurrence Vote Passed - House (40 - 12)
6/18 HR 6124 Second Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Veto Override Passed - House (317 - 109)
6/04 HB 5068 Great Lakes Water Management Bill Passed - House (56 - 52)
5/28 AB 1991 Development on Half Moon Bay Bill Passed - House (46 - 18)
5/28 AB 2058 Paper and Plastic Bag Tax Bill Passed - House (44 - 33)
5/27 AB 3025 Polystyrene Packaging Regulations Bill Passed - House (42 - 32)
5/21 HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Veto Override Passed - House (316 - 108)
5/21 HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Veto Override Passed - House (316 - 108)
5/21 HR 6049 Alternative Energy Tax Incentives Bill Passed - House (263 - 160)
5/15 SB 2052 Taxes for Levee Repair Bill Passed - House (64 - 44)
5/14 HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Conference Report Adopted - House (318 - 106)
5/14 HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Conference Report Adopted - House (318 - 106)
5/13 HF 3195 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap and Trade Program Report Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 36)
5/13 HF 3195 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap and Trade Program Report Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 36)
5/12 HB 2017 Legislative Approval for Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 22)
5/07 HB 2412 Coal Plant Incentives Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 48)
5/07 SB 586 Incentives to Develop Nuclear Power Facilities Conference Report Adopted - House (101 - 22)
5/07 SB 586 Incentives to Develop Nuclear Power Facilities Conference Report Adopted - House (101 - 22)
5/07 HB 2412 Coal Plant Incentives Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 48)
5/05 HB 2860 Eminent Domain and Water Rights Conference Report Adopted - House (64 - 57)
5/05 HB 1161 Mining Regulation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 15)
5/05 HB 1161 Mining Regulation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 15)
5/05 HB 1325 Seasonal Foreign Worker Pilot Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 17)
5/05 SB 226 Zebra Mussels Ban Bill Passed - House (54 - 11)
5/05 AB 2233 Ban on Holding Pets While Driving Bill Passed - House (44 - 20)
5/01 SB 148 Electricity Generation and Conservation Veto Override Failed - House (80 - 45)
5/01 SB 148 Electricity Generation and Conservation Veto Override Failed - House (80 - 45)
4/29 S 2739 Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 Bill Passed - House (291 - 117)
4/23 HF 3195 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap and Trade Program Report Bill Passed - House (91 - 38)
4/23 HF 3195 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap and Trade Program Report Bill Passed - House (91 - 38)
4/22 HB 1325 Seasonal Foreign Worker Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (46 - 18)
4/17 HB 5524 Energy Utility Regulations Bill Passed - House (78 - 30)
4/17 HB 5525 Energy Efficiency Program Bill Passed - House (81 - 18)
4/17 HB 5525 Energy Efficiency Program Bill Passed - House (81 - 18)
4/17 HB 5548 Renewable Energy Portfolios Bill Passed - House (86 - 21)
4/17 HB 5548 Renewable Energy Portfolios Bill Passed - House (86 - 21)
4/17 HB 5549 Renewable Energy Portfolio Exemptions Bill Passed - House (84 - 21)
4/17 HB 5549 Renewable Energy Portfolio Exemptions Bill Passed - House (84 - 21)
4/17 HB 5524 Energy Utility Regulations Bill Passed - House (78 - 30)
4/16 SB 2793 Utility Rate Increases During Planning or Construction of Plants Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 37)
4/15 HB 1270 Prohibiting Restrictions on Energy Efficiency Measures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 10)
4/15 HB 1270 Prohibiting Restrictions on Energy Efficiency Measures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 10)
4/10 SJR 2002 Natural Resources Trust Fund Joint Resolution Passed - House (88 - 10)
4/07 SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Passed - House (113 - 25)
4/07 SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Passed - House (113 - 25)
4/07 HB 374 Energy Efficiency Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (101 - 33)
4/07 HB 375 Increasing Renewable Energy Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 24)
4/07 HB 374 Energy Efficiency Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (101 - 33)
4/07 HB 375 Increasing Renewable Energy Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 24)
4/07 SB 1013 Regulation of Power Plants Bill Passed - House (102 - 38)
4/04 SB 148 Electricity Generation and Conservation Bill Passed - House (83 - 41)
4/04 SB 148 Electricity Generation and Conservation Bill Passed - House (83 - 41)
4/04 HB 1626 Public Utilitiy Regulation Bill Passed - House (98 - 41)

arrow_upward