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
Jan. 28, 2026 KS SB 244 Requires Individuals to Use Restrooms in Government Buildings According to Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (87 - 36)
Jan. 28, 2026 KS SB 254 Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants From Receiving Public Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
Jan. 28, 2026 IN HB 1343 Authorizes the Indiana National Guard to Establish a Military Police Force Bill Passed - House (67 - 29)
Jan. 27, 2026 WV HB 4433 Expands the State Definition of Human Smuggling to Include Harboring and Assisting Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (81 - 9)
Jan. 27, 2026 IN SB 182 Requires State Detention Facilities and School Bathrooms to be Designated for Use Based on Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
Jan. 26, 2026 UT SB 134 Increases the Number of Utah Supreme Court Justices and Judges of Lower Courts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
Jan. 26, 2026 SD SJR 501 Amends the State Constitution to Establish Term Limits for Members of the Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Jan. 26, 2026 IN SB 76 Expands Requirements for State and Local Government Entities to Cooperate with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
Jan. 22, 2026 AL SB 149 Authorizes the Board of Education to Distribute Temporary Teaching Certificates to Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
Jan. 15, 2026 National HR 2988 Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act Bill Passed - House (213 - 205)
Jan. 15, 2026 FL HB 197 Requires Businesses of All Sizes to Use the E-Verify System to Check Worker Eligibility Bill Passed - House (80 - 30)
Jan. 13, 2026 TN HB 884 Defines Businesses as Adult-Oriented if They Hold Drag Shows Bill Passed - House (73 - 24)
Jan. 12, 2026 NJ A 5886 Amends the Process for Filling Vacancies From New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives Bill Passed - House (66 - 7)
Jan. 8, 2026 National HR 504 Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act Veto Override Failed - House (236 - 188)
Jan. 8, 2026 National H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Resolution Passed - House (224 - 202)
Jan. 8, 2026 National S J Res 98 A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress Motion Agreed - Senate (52 - 47)
Jan. 7, 2026 National H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Motion Agreed - House (221 - 205)
Jan. 7, 2026 MS SB 2003 Amends Regulations Regarding Retired Teachers' Benefits and Return-to-Work Authorizations Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 2)
Jan. 7, 2026 MS SB 2004 Appropriates Funds to the Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
Jan. 6, 2026 National PN 499-11 Nomination of Joshua Simmons to be General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 47)
Jan. 6, 2026 National PN 373 Nomination of Sara Bailey to be Director of National Drug Control Policy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 48)
Jan. 5, 2026 National PN 12-1 Nomination of Keith Bass to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 35)
Dec. 18, 2025 National PN 373 Nomination of Sara Bailey to be Director of National Drug Control Policy Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 42)
Dec. 18, 2025 National PN 12-1 Nomination of Keith Bass to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Cloture Invoked - Senate (58 - 36)
Dec. 18, 2025 National PN 499-11 Nomination of Joshua Simmons to be General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 43)
Dec. 17, 2025 National PN 650 Nomination of Jared Isaacman to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (67 - 30)
Dec. 17, 2025 National PN 650 Nomination of Jared Isaacman to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Cloture Invoked - Senate (67 - 30)
Dec. 17, 2025 National HR 3492 Protect Children's Innocence Act Bill Passed - House (216 - 211)
Dec. 17, 2025 National H Con Res 61 Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with presidentially designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere Joint Resolution Failed - House (210 - 216)
Dec. 17, 2025 National H Con Res 61 Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with presidentially designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere Joint Resolution Failed - House (210 - 216)
Dec. 16, 2025 National HR 4371 To amend the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance efforts to combat the trafficking of children Bill Passed - House (225 - 201)
Dec. 15, 2025 National S 1071 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Cloture Invoked - Senate (76 - 20)
Dec. 11, 2025 National S 1071 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Motion Agreed - Senate (75 - 22)
Dec. 11, 2025 IN HB 1032 Amends State Congressional Districts Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 31)
Dec. 11, 2025 National H Res 939 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States for high crimes and misdemeanors Resolution Tabled - House (237 - 140)
Dec. 11, 2025 National HR 2550 Protect America's Workforce Act Bill Passed - House (231 - 195)
Dec. 11, 2025 National HR 2550 Protect America's Workforce Act Bill Passed - House (231 - 195)
Dec. 10, 2025 National S 1071 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Bill Passed - House (312 - 112)
Dec. 9, 2025 UT HB 2001 Repeals a Ban on Public Sector Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
Dec. 9, 2025 UT HB 2001 Repeals a Ban on Public Sector Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - House (60 - 9)
Dec. 5, 2025 IN HB 1032 Amends State Congressional Districts Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
Dec. 3, 2025 National S J Res 91 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision" Motion Agreed - Senate (49 - 47)
Nov. 21, 2025 National H Con Res 58 Denouncing the horrors of socialism Joint Resolution Passed - House (285 - 98)
Nov. 20, 2025 National H J Res 130 Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment" Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 43)
Nov. 19, 2025 National PN 445-6 Nomination of Ho Nieh, of Alabama, to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2029, vice Christopher T. Hanson (66 - 32)
Nov. 19, 2025 PA HB 439 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Hair or Hairstyles Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 3)
Nov. 19, 2025 National H Res 893 Censuring Representative Cory Mills of Florida and removing him from the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs Motion Agreed - House (310 - 103)
Nov. 19, 2025 National S J Res 89 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment" Motion Agreed - Senate (51 - 47)
Nov. 19, 2025 National S J Res 76 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Extension of Deadlines in Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources: Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review Final Rule" Motion Rejected - Senate (46 - 51)
Nov. 19, 2025 National HR 6019 To repeal certain provisions relating to notification to Senate offices regarding legal process on disclosure of Senate data, and for other purposes. Bill Passed - House (426 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
1/28 SB 244 Requires Individuals to Use Restrooms in Government Buildings According to Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (87 - 36)
1/28 SB 254 Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants From Receiving Public Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
1/28 HB 1343 Authorizes the Indiana National Guard to Establish a Military Police Force Bill Passed - House (67 - 29)
1/27 HB 4433 Expands the State Definition of Human Smuggling to Include Harboring and Assisting Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (81 - 9)
1/27 SB 182 Requires State Detention Facilities and School Bathrooms to be Designated for Use Based on Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
1/26 SB 134 Increases the Number of Utah Supreme Court Justices and Judges of Lower Courts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
1/26 SJR 501 Amends the State Constitution to Establish Term Limits for Members of the Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
1/26 SB 76 Expands Requirements for State and Local Government Entities to Cooperate with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
1/22 SB 149 Authorizes the Board of Education to Distribute Temporary Teaching Certificates to Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
1/15 HR 2988 Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act Bill Passed - House (213 - 205)
1/15 HB 197 Requires Businesses of All Sizes to Use the E-Verify System to Check Worker Eligibility Bill Passed - House (80 - 30)
1/13 HB 884 Defines Businesses as Adult-Oriented if They Hold Drag Shows Bill Passed - House (73 - 24)
1/12 A 5886 Amends the Process for Filling Vacancies From New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives Bill Passed - House (66 - 7)
1/08 HR 504 Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act Veto Override Failed - House (236 - 188)
1/08 H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Resolution Passed - House (224 - 202)
1/08 S J Res 98 A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress Motion Agreed - Senate (52 - 47)
1/07 H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Motion Agreed - House (221 - 205)
1/07 SB 2003 Amends Regulations Regarding Retired Teachers' Benefits and Return-to-Work Authorizations Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 2)
1/07 SB 2004 Appropriates Funds to the Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
1/06 PN 499-11 Nomination of Joshua Simmons to be General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 47)
1/06 PN 373 Nomination of Sara Bailey to be Director of National Drug Control Policy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 48)
1/05 PN 12-1 Nomination of Keith Bass to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 35)
12/18 PN 373 Nomination of Sara Bailey to be Director of National Drug Control Policy Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 42)
12/18 PN 12-1 Nomination of Keith Bass to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Cloture Invoked - Senate (58 - 36)
12/18 PN 499-11 Nomination of Joshua Simmons to be General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 43)
12/17 PN 650 Nomination of Jared Isaacman to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (67 - 30)
12/17 PN 650 Nomination of Jared Isaacman to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Cloture Invoked - Senate (67 - 30)
12/17 HR 3492 Protect Children's Innocence Act Bill Passed - House (216 - 211)
12/17 H Con Res 61 Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with presidentially designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere Joint Resolution Failed - House (210 - 216)
12/17 H Con Res 61 Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with presidentially designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere Joint Resolution Failed - House (210 - 216)
12/16 HR 4371 To amend the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance efforts to combat the trafficking of children Bill Passed - House (225 - 201)
12/15 S 1071 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Cloture Invoked - Senate (76 - 20)
12/11 S 1071 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Motion Agreed - Senate (75 - 22)
12/11 HB 1032 Amends State Congressional Districts Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 31)
12/11 H Res 939 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States for high crimes and misdemeanors Resolution Tabled - House (237 - 140)
12/11 HR 2550 Protect America's Workforce Act Bill Passed - House (231 - 195)
12/11 HR 2550 Protect America's Workforce Act Bill Passed - House (231 - 195)
12/10 S 1071 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Bill Passed - House (312 - 112)
12/09 HB 2001 Repeals a Ban on Public Sector Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
12/09 HB 2001 Repeals a Ban on Public Sector Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - House (60 - 9)
12/05 HB 1032 Amends State Congressional Districts Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
12/03 S J Res 91 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision" Motion Agreed - Senate (49 - 47)
11/21 H Con Res 58 Denouncing the horrors of socialism Joint Resolution Passed - House (285 - 98)
11/20 H J Res 130 Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment" Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 43)
11/19 PN 445-6 Nomination of Ho Nieh, of Alabama, to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2029, vice Christopher T. Hanson (66 - 32)
11/19 HB 439 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Hair or Hairstyles Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 3)
11/19 H Res 893 Censuring Representative Cory Mills of Florida and removing him from the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs Motion Agreed - House (310 - 103)
11/19 S J Res 89 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to "Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment" Motion Agreed - Senate (51 - 47)
11/19 S J Res 76 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Extension of Deadlines in Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources: Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review Final Rule" Motion Rejected - Senate (46 - 51)
11/19 HR 6019 To repeal certain provisions relating to notification to Senate offices regarding legal process on disclosure of Senate data, and for other purposes. Bill Passed - House (426 - 0)

arrow_upward