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 4, 2008 WA HB 2438 Permitting Dogs in Cougar Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
Feb. 28, 2008 KS SB 586 Incentives to Develop Nuclear Power Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Feb. 28, 2008 KS SB 586 Incentives to Develop Nuclear Power Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Feb. 27, 2008 CO HB 1069 Prohibiting Motor Vehicles on Public Lands Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
Feb. 27, 2008 UT SB 297 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
Feb. 25, 2008 WY SF 46 Water Discharge from Methane Gas Wells Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 15)
Feb. 21, 2008 MS SB 2793 Utility Rate Increases During Planning or Construction of Plants Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
Feb. 18, 2008 WA SB 6777 Halting Mining on Maury Island Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
Feb. 14, 2008 MN HF 2285 Funding for Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 17)
Feb. 14, 2008 UT SB 117 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
Feb. 14, 2008 KS HB 2066 Restricting the Secretary of Health and Environment's Enforcement Powers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
Feb. 14, 2008 KS HB 2066 Restricting the Secretary of Health and Environment's Enforcement Powers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
Feb. 13, 2008 KS Steineger Amnd. Limiting Carbon Dioxide Emissions Amendment Rejected - Senate (3 - 32)
Feb. 13, 2008 KS Steineger Amnd. Limiting Carbon Dioxide Emissions Amendment Rejected - Senate (3 - 32)
Feb. 12, 2008 NM HB 305 Energy Efficiency Requirements for Public Utilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Feb. 12, 2008 NM HB 305 Energy Efficiency Requirements for Public Utilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Feb. 10, 2008 NM SB 487 Uranium Cleanup Fund Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
Feb. 10, 2008 NM SB 487 Uranium Cleanup Fund Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
Jan. 31, 2008 SD SB 173 Eliminating Restrictions on Corporate Dairy Farms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2008 CA SB 908 Global Warming Education in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
Jan. 24, 2008 CO GN Baker Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (21 - 13)
Jan. 24, 2008 CO GN Baker Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (21 - 13)
Jan. 18, 2008 GA SR 701 State-Wide Water Management Plan Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 12)
Jan. 7, 2008 NJ A 4559 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
Jan. 7, 2008 NJ A 4559 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
Dec. 18, 2007 National HR 2764 Inclusion of Iraq and Afghanistan Military Operations Funding with the Consolidated Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (76 - 17)
Dec. 14, 2007 National HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Bill Passed - Senate (79 - 14)
Dec. 14, 2007 National HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Bill Passed - Senate (79 - 14)
Dec. 13, 2007 National S Amdt 3695 Limit on Farm Subsidies Amendment Rejected - Senate (56 - 43)
Dec. 13, 2007 National S Amdt 3810 Income Limit for Subsidies to Farmers Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 47)
Dec. 13, 2007 National HR 6 Energy Act of 2007 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (86 - 8)
Dec. 11, 2007 National S Amdt 3711 Government Sponsored Farm Insurance Policies Amendment Rejected - Senate (37 - 58)
Dec. 11, 2007 National S Amdt 3711 Government Sponsored Farm Insurance Policies Amendment Rejected - Senate (37 - 58)
Nov. 19, 2007 MD HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
Nov. 19, 2007 MD HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
Nov. 16, 2007 AK SCS CSHB 2001 Oil and Gas Production Tax Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
Nov. 8, 2007 National HR 1495 Water Resources Development Act of 2007 Veto Override Passed - Senate (79 - 14)
Oct. 30, 2007 MI S Sub for Sub HB 4358 2007-2008 Department of Environmental Quality Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 13)
Oct. 30, 2007 MI S Sub for Sub HB 4354 2007-2008 Department of Natural Resources Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 6)
Oct. 30, 2007 WI SB 15 Secretary of Natural Resources Appointment Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Oct. 29, 2007 HI SB 1 Superferry Environmental Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 5)
Oct. 12, 2007 IL HB 664 Homeowner Tax Exemption Veto Override Passed - Senate (55 - 1)
Sept. 5, 2007 MT SB 1 Extending Fire Related State of Emergencies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 20)
Aug. 24, 2007 KY HCS HB 1 Renewable Energy Tax Incentives Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
Aug. 24, 2007 KY HCS HB 1 Renewable Energy Tax Incentives Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
July 26, 2007 IL SB 1592 Electricity Relief and Regulation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 13)
June 21, 2007 National S Amdt 1704 Alternative Energy Subsidies Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (57 - 36)
June 21, 2007 National HR 6 Energy Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 27)
June 21, 2007 National HR 6 Energy Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 27)
June 20, 2007 MI Sub for SB 504 Agricultural Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
June 20, 2007 MI Sub for SB 447 Insurance for Water Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
June 20, 2007 MI Sub for SB 447 Insurance for Water Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
June 20, 2007 MI Sub for SB 448 State Registration for CAFOs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
June 20, 2007 MI Sub for SB 504 Agricultural Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
June 19, 2007 AZ SB 1552 Air Pollution Control Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 3)
June 14, 2007 National S Amdt 1538 Clean Energy Achievement Criteria Amendment Tabled - Senate (56 - 39)
June 2, 2007 CT HB 7432 Energy and Electricity Efficiency Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
June 2, 2007 CT HB 7432 Energy and Electricity Efficiency Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
May 31, 2007 CT HB 7400 Tax Code Modification Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
May 31, 2007 CT HB 7400 Tax Code Modification Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
May 29, 2007 OR HB 2620 Solar Energy in Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
May 29, 2007 OR HB 2620 Solar Energy in Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
May 21, 2007 CA SB 180 Collective Bargaining Representation for Agricultural Workers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
May 14, 2007 MN HF 946 Transportation Funding and Gas Tax Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 17)
May 11, 2007 OR SB 790 Offshore Drilling Moratorium Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 7)
May 11, 2007 OR SB 790 Offshore Drilling Moratorium Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 7)
May 1, 2007 VT SA. 520 Energy Tax Amendment to H. 520 Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
May 1, 2007 VT SA. 520 Energy Tax Amendment to H. 520 Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
April 23, 2007 IA SF 485 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
April 23, 2007 IA SF 485 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
April 20, 2007 IL S. Amdt. 3: Electric Rates Freeze Amendment Adopted - Senate (33 - 24)
April 20, 2007 IL SB 1592 Electric Rates Freeze Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 20)
April 19, 2007 IA SF 599 Iowa Power Fund Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
April 19, 2007 IA SF 599 Iowa Power Fund Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
April 10, 2007 OR SB 838 Renewable Electricity Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 10, 2007 OR SB 838 Renewable Electricity Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 4, 2007 MD HB 131 Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
April 3, 2007 MT SB 558 Montana Electric and Gas Authority Act Bill Failed - Senate (25 - 25)
April 3, 2007 WA HB 1024 Prohibition of PBDEs Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
April 2, 2007 IA SF 485 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
April 2, 2007 IA SF 485 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
March 26, 2007 MN HF 946 Transportation Funding and Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 24)
March 23, 2007 MN SF 1986 Transportation Taxes and Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 24)
March 22, 2007 ND HB 1420 Animal Feedlot Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
March 8, 2007 HI SB 1276 Environmental Impact of Harbor Improvements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 4)
March 6, 2007 OK SCS SB 709 Pollution Ban Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
March 6, 2007 OK SCS SB 709 Pollution Ban Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
Feb. 28, 2007 WV Com Sub for Com Sub SB 337 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
Feb. 27, 2007 WY 1SHB 213 Grey Wolf Population Control Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
Feb. 26, 2007 MD SB 103 Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
Feb. 23, 2007 IL SB 9 Illinois Climate Change Act Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 13)
Feb. 15, 2007 ND SB 2397 Oil Well Tax Cut Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
Feb. 7, 2007 NM SB 10 Prohibiting Cockfighting Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 11)
Aug. 31, 2006 CA SB 1379 Biomonitoring Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Aug. 31, 2006 CA SB 1578 Dog Restraint Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
Aug. 30, 2006 CA AB 32 Greenhouse Gases Emission Limits Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
Aug. 29, 2006 CA AB 2496 Water Conservation: Low-Flush Water Closet Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
Aug. 1, 2006 National S 3711 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (71 - 25)
July 18, 2006 NC HB 2873 Drinking Water From Private Wells Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
July 8, 2006 NJ A 4707 Luxury and Fuel Inefficient Automobiles Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/04 HB 2438 Permitting Dogs in Cougar Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
2/28 SB 586 Incentives to Develop Nuclear Power Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
2/28 SB 586 Incentives to Develop Nuclear Power Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
2/27 HB 1069 Prohibiting Motor Vehicles on Public Lands Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
2/27 SB 297 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
2/25 SF 46 Water Discharge from Methane Gas Wells Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 15)
2/21 SB 2793 Utility Rate Increases During Planning or Construction of Plants Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
2/18 SB 6777 Halting Mining on Maury Island Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
2/14 HF 2285 Funding for Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 17)
2/14 SB 117 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
2/14 HB 2066 Restricting the Secretary of Health and Environment's Enforcement Powers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
2/14 HB 2066 Restricting the Secretary of Health and Environment's Enforcement Powers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
2/13 Steineger Amnd. Limiting Carbon Dioxide Emissions Amendment Rejected - Senate (3 - 32)
2/13 Steineger Amnd. Limiting Carbon Dioxide Emissions Amendment Rejected - Senate (3 - 32)
2/12 HB 305 Energy Efficiency Requirements for Public Utilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
2/12 HB 305 Energy Efficiency Requirements for Public Utilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
2/10 SB 487 Uranium Cleanup Fund Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
2/10 SB 487 Uranium Cleanup Fund Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
1/31 SB 173 Eliminating Restrictions on Corporate Dairy Farms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
1/30 SB 908 Global Warming Education in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
1/24 GN Baker Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (21 - 13)
1/24 GN Baker Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (21 - 13)
1/18 SR 701 State-Wide Water Management Plan Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 12)
1/07 A 4559 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
1/07 A 4559 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
12/18 HR 2764 Inclusion of Iraq and Afghanistan Military Operations Funding with the Consolidated Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (76 - 17)
12/14 HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Bill Passed - Senate (79 - 14)
12/14 HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Bill Passed - Senate (79 - 14)
12/13 S Amdt 3695 Limit on Farm Subsidies Amendment Rejected - Senate (56 - 43)
12/13 S Amdt 3810 Income Limit for Subsidies to Farmers Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 47)
12/13 HR 6 Energy Act of 2007 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (86 - 8)
12/11 S Amdt 3711 Government Sponsored Farm Insurance Policies Amendment Rejected - Senate (37 - 58)
12/11 S Amdt 3711 Government Sponsored Farm Insurance Policies Amendment Rejected - Senate (37 - 58)
11/19 HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
11/19 HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
11/16 SCS CSHB 2001 Oil and Gas Production Tax Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
11/08 HR 1495 Water Resources Development Act of 2007 Veto Override Passed - Senate (79 - 14)
10/30 S Sub for Sub HB 4358 2007-2008 Department of Environmental Quality Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 13)
10/30 S Sub for Sub HB 4354 2007-2008 Department of Natural Resources Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 6)
10/30 SB 15 Secretary of Natural Resources Appointment Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
10/29 SB 1 Superferry Environmental Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 5)
10/12 HB 664 Homeowner Tax Exemption Veto Override Passed - Senate (55 - 1)
9/05 SB 1 Extending Fire Related State of Emergencies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 20)
8/24 HCS HB 1 Renewable Energy Tax Incentives Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
8/24 HCS HB 1 Renewable Energy Tax Incentives Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
7/26 SB 1592 Electricity Relief and Regulation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 13)
6/21 S Amdt 1704 Alternative Energy Subsidies Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (57 - 36)
6/21 HR 6 Energy Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 27)
6/21 HR 6 Energy Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 27)
6/20 Sub for SB 504 Agricultural Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
6/20 Sub for SB 447 Insurance for Water Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
6/20 Sub for SB 447 Insurance for Water Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
6/20 Sub for SB 448 State Registration for CAFOs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
6/20 Sub for SB 504 Agricultural Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
6/19 SB 1552 Air Pollution Control Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 3)
6/14 S Amdt 1538 Clean Energy Achievement Criteria Amendment Tabled - Senate (56 - 39)
6/02 HB 7432 Energy and Electricity Efficiency Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
6/02 HB 7432 Energy and Electricity Efficiency Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
5/31 HB 7400 Tax Code Modification Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
5/31 HB 7400 Tax Code Modification Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
5/29 HB 2620 Solar Energy in Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
5/29 HB 2620 Solar Energy in Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
5/21 SB 180 Collective Bargaining Representation for Agricultural Workers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
5/14 HF 946 Transportation Funding and Gas Tax Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 17)
5/11 SB 790 Offshore Drilling Moratorium Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 7)
5/11 SB 790 Offshore Drilling Moratorium Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 7)
5/01 SA. 520 Energy Tax Amendment to H. 520 Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
5/01 SA. 520 Energy Tax Amendment to H. 520 Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
4/23 SF 485 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
4/23 SF 485 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
4/20 S. Amdt. 3: Electric Rates Freeze Amendment Adopted - Senate (33 - 24)
4/20 SB 1592 Electric Rates Freeze Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 20)
4/19 SF 599 Iowa Power Fund Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
4/19 SF 599 Iowa Power Fund Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
4/10 SB 838 Renewable Electricity Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/10 SB 838 Renewable Electricity Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/04 HB 131 Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
4/03 SB 558 Montana Electric and Gas Authority Act Bill Failed - Senate (25 - 25)
4/03 HB 1024 Prohibition of PBDEs Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
4/02 SF 485 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
4/02 SF 485 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
3/26 HF 946 Transportation Funding and Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 24)
3/23 SF 1986 Transportation Taxes and Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 24)
3/22 HB 1420 Animal Feedlot Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
3/08 SB 1276 Environmental Impact of Harbor Improvements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 4)
3/06 SCS SB 709 Pollution Ban Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
3/06 SCS SB 709 Pollution Ban Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
2/28 Com Sub for Com Sub SB 337 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
2/27 1SHB 213 Grey Wolf Population Control Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
2/26 SB 103 Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
2/23 SB 9 Illinois Climate Change Act Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 13)
2/15 SB 2397 Oil Well Tax Cut Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
2/07 SB 10 Prohibiting Cockfighting Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 11)
8/31 SB 1379 Biomonitoring Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
8/31 SB 1578 Dog Restraint Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
8/30 AB 32 Greenhouse Gases Emission Limits Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
8/29 AB 2496 Water Conservation: Low-Flush Water Closet Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
8/01 S 3711 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (71 - 25)
7/18 HB 2873 Drinking Water From Private Wells Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
7/08 A 4707 Luxury and Fuel Inefficient Automobiles Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)

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