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
Feb. 9, 2010 NY R 3904 Expelling Senator Hiram Monserrate from the Senate Resolution Passed - Senate (53 - 8)
Feb. 8, 2010 NM SB 531 Legislative Finance Committee Review of Confidential Information Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
Jan. 26, 2010 National S Amdt 3302 Establishing a Federal Budget Deficit Commission Amendment Rejected - Senate (53 - 46)
Jan. 19, 2010 MO HCR 18 Statement of Opposition to Federal Health Care Proposal Joint Resolution Passed - House (111 - 46)
Jan. 13, 2010 KY SB 51 Legislator Pension Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Jan. 11, 2010 NJ A 4378 Exception to the Ban on Former State Employees Working for the Casino Industry Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
Jan. 11, 2010 NJ A 4378 Exception to the Ban on Former State Employees Working for the Casino Industry Bill Passed - House (42 - 31)
Dec. 17, 2009 OH HB 318 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 42)
Dec. 17, 2009 OH HB 318 Tax Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
Oct. 21, 2009 OH HB 318 Tax Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (55 - 44)
Oct. 9, 2009 PA HB 1614 Fiscal Code Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
Oct. 9, 2009 PA HB 1614 Fiscal Code Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (106 - 92)
Oct. 7, 2009 National H Res 805 Removing Rep. Charles Rangel as Chairman of House Committee on Ways and Means Motion Agreed - House (246 - 153)
Sept. 30, 2009 National HR 2918 Continuing Appropriations Resolution and 2009-2010 Legislative Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (62 - 38)
Sept. 25, 2009 National HR 2918 Continuing Appropriations Resolution and 2009-2010 Legislative Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (217 - 190)
Sept. 23, 2009 OH SJR 5 Redistricting Commission Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Sept. 16, 2009 MO HB 544 Increasing Legislative Oversight of Federal Funds Veto Override Failed - House (86 - 71)
Sept. 15, 2009 National H Res 744 Resolution of Disapproval of Representative Joe Wilson's Conduct Resolution Passed - House (240 - 179)
April 1, 2009 GA SB 200 Reorganization of the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - House (90 - 84)
March 19, 2009 NM HB 393 Opening Conference Committees to the Public Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 8)
March 12, 2009 KS HB 2320 State Spending Limitations and Savings Accounts Bill Passed - House (89 - 33)
March 11, 2009 UT HB 345 Regulating Former Lawmakers in Lobbying Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 5, 2009 GA SB 200 Reorganization of State Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 25)
March 4, 2009 NH HCR 6 Resolution Regarding States' Rights "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (216 - 150)
Feb. 26, 2009 National S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
Feb. 25, 2009 NM SB 141 Allowing Increase of Penalties for Convicted Public Officials Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12)
Feb. 20, 2009 VT Ainsworth Amdt Legislative Pay Cut Amendment Rejected - House (50 - 88)
Feb. 19, 2009 NC SB 15 Limiting Per Diem Payments to Legislators Motion Agreed - Senate (37 - 11)
Feb. 10, 2009 IN HB 1656 Shifting Federal Transportation Funding to Counties and Localities Bill Passed - House (88 - 11)
Feb. 9, 2009 SD SJR 3 Extending Senate Terms and Legislative Term-Limits Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Feb. 6, 2009 MT SB 187 Limitations on Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
Feb. 5, 2009 ND HB 1557 Even-Numbered Year Budget Adjustment Legislative Sessions Bill Failed - House (33 - 61)
Feb. 2, 2009 MT SJ 7 Statement of Opposition to Expansion of EPA Jurisdiction (H.R. 2421) Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2009 AR HB 1050 Freedom of Information Act Exemption Specifications Bill Passed - House (57 - 31)
Jan. 26, 2009 MO HCR 5 Rejecting Pay Increases for Elected Officials and Judges Resolution Passed - House (129 - 31)
Jan. 14, 2009 TX SR 14 Majority Vote Requirement for Voter ID Bill Consideration Resolution Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
June 23, 2008 NJ S 1962 State Worker Retirement and Health Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
June 23, 2008 NJ S 1962 State Worker Retirement and Health Benefits Bill Passed - House (52 - 13)
June 21, 2008 LA HB 906 Anonymity of Ethics Board Complaints Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 21)
June 13, 2008 LA SB 672 Legislative Pay Increase Bill Passed - House (56 - 45)
June 10, 2008 LA SB 672 Legislative Pay Increase Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 29, 2008 LA S Amdt 3870 Legislator Financial Disclosures Amendment Rejected - Senate (5 - 29)
May 12, 2008 AZ HB 2017 Legislative Approval for Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 22)
May 7, 2008 IL HJR 132 Legislative Salaries Joint Resolution Passed - House (94 - 8)
April 23, 2008 AZ HB 2017 Legislative Approval for Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
April 16, 2008 NH HR 24 Impeachment Petition Resolution Tabled - House (227 - 95)
April 10, 2008 National H Res 1092 Postponing the Consideration of the Trade Agreement with Colombia Resolution Passed - House (224 - 195)
March 24, 2008 MS HB 859 Salary Adjustments for State Officials Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 3)
March 19, 2008 MS SB 2264 Authorizing Wire-tapping Out of State Bill Passed - House (97 - 21)
March 18, 2008 CO HB 1297 Supplemental Department of Public Safety Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
March 13, 2008 National S Amdt 4347 Earmark Moratorium Motion Rejected - Senate (29 - 71)
March 12, 2008 MA DeLeo Amdt Legislative Committee Chair Pay Raises Amendment Adopted - House (126 - 20)
March 12, 2008 KY HB 600 State Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
March 12, 2008 OK HB 2196 Campaign Finance Restrictions Bill Passed - House (92 - 8)
March 11, 2008 National H Res 1031 Establishment of the Office of Congressional Ethics Resolution Passed - House (229 - 182)
Feb. 27, 2008 CO HB 1297 Supplemental Department of Public Safety Funding Bill Passed - House (45 - 20)
Feb. 26, 2008 WV HB 4076 Legislative Pay Raise Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
Feb. 21, 2008 SD HB 1250 Legislative Pay Raise Bill Tabled - Senate (29 - 4)
Feb. 14, 2008 National H Res 982 Contempt Charges Resolution Passed - House (223 - 32)
Feb. 14, 2008 MS HB 859 Salary Adjustments for State Officials Bill Passed - House (61 - 60)
Feb. 5, 2008 SD HB 1250 Legislative Pay Raise Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
Jan. 24, 2008 CO GN Baker Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (21 - 13)
Jan. 24, 2008 CO HR 1005 Censuring Representative Douglas Bruce Resolution Passed - House (62 - 1)
Oct. 31, 2007 MI SB 229 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
Oct. 31, 2007 MI SB 229 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 25)
Sept. 18, 2007 National S 1257 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (57 - 42)
Aug. 2, 2007 National S 1 Lobbying and Donation Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (83 - 14)
July 31, 2007 National S 1 Lobbying and Donation Regulations Bill Passed - House (411 - 8)
April 19, 2007 National HR 1905 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (241 - 177)
April 5, 2007 SC S 355 Restructuring the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
Feb. 6, 2007 SD SJR 7 Extension of Term Limits Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
Sept. 26, 2006 National N/A Motion to Resolve Into Secret Session Motion Rejected - House (171 - 217)
June 7, 2006 National HR 5521 Legislative Branch FY 2007 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (361 - 53)
May 3, 2006 National HR 4975 527 Reform Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (217 - 213)
March 30, 2006 National H Res 746 Jack Abramoff Investigation Resolution Resolution Tabled - House (216 - 193)
Oct. 18, 2005 National S Amdt 2062 Congressional Pay Raise Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (92 - 6)
Sept. 15, 2005 National S Amdt 1678 Hurricane Katrina Relief Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (43 - 52)
Sept. 15, 2005 National H Res 437 Bipartisan Committee to Investigate Hurricane Katrina Resolution Passed - House (224 - 188)
Sept. 14, 2005 National S Amdt 1670 Special Committee on Contracts in Afghanistan and Iraq Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 53)
July 29, 2005 National HR 2985 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2006 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (96 - 4)
July 28, 2005 National HR 2985 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2006 Conference Report Adopted - House (305 - 122)
June 22, 2005 National HR 2985 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2006 Bill Passed - House (330 - 82)
Sept. 21, 2004 National HR 4755 Legislative Branch FY2005 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 2)
July 12, 2004 National HR 4755 Legislative Branch FY2005 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (327 - 43)
June 2, 2004 National H J Res 83 Special Elections/Appointments Provisions Bill Joint Resolution Failed - House (63 - 353)
April 22, 2004 National HR 2844 Continuity in Representation Act of 2003 Bill Passed - House (306 - 97)
Oct. 23, 2003 National S Amdt 1904 Congressional Pay Raise Amendment Amendment Tabled - Senate (60 - 34)
Sept. 24, 2003 National HR 2657 Emergency Supplemental Appropriation, FY 2003 bill Conference Report Adopted - House (371 - 56)
July 11, 2003 National HR 2657 Emergency Supplemental Appropriation, FY 2003 bill Bill Passed - Senate (85 - 7)
July 9, 2003 National HR 2657 Emergency Supplemental Appropriation, FY 2003 bill Bill Passed - House (394 - 26)
July 25, 2002 National HR 5121 Legislative Branch Appropriation, FY2003 Bill Passed - Senate (85 - 14)
July 24, 2002 National H Res 495 Expulsion of Representative James A. Traficant, Jr., D-Ohio Resolution Passed - House (420 - 1)
July 18, 2002 National HR 5121 Legislative Branch Appropriation, FY2003 Bill Passed - House (365 - 49)
Nov. 1, 2001 National HR 2647 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2002 Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 52)
Aug. 5, 1999 National HR 1905 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2000 Conference Report Adopted - House (367 - 49)
June 16, 1999 National HR 1905 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2000 Bill Passed - Senate (95 - 4)
June 10, 1999 National HR 1905 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2000 Bill Passed - House (214 - 197)
Sept. 24, 1998 National HR 4112 Legislative Branch FY99 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (356 - 65)
July 21, 1998 National HR 4112 Legislative Branch FY99 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - Senate (90 - 9)
June 25, 1998 National S Amdt 2981 Military Closure Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (48 - 45)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/09 R 3904 Expelling Senator Hiram Monserrate from the Senate Resolution Passed - Senate (53 - 8)
2/08 SB 531 Legislative Finance Committee Review of Confidential Information Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
1/26 S Amdt 3302 Establishing a Federal Budget Deficit Commission Amendment Rejected - Senate (53 - 46)
1/19 HCR 18 Statement of Opposition to Federal Health Care Proposal Joint Resolution Passed - House (111 - 46)
1/13 SB 51 Legislator Pension Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
1/11 A 4378 Exception to the Ban on Former State Employees Working for the Casino Industry Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
1/11 A 4378 Exception to the Ban on Former State Employees Working for the Casino Industry Bill Passed - House (42 - 31)
12/17 HB 318 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 42)
12/17 HB 318 Tax Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
10/21 HB 318 Tax Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (55 - 44)
10/09 HB 1614 Fiscal Code Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
10/09 HB 1614 Fiscal Code Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (106 - 92)
10/07 H Res 805 Removing Rep. Charles Rangel as Chairman of House Committee on Ways and Means Motion Agreed - House (246 - 153)
9/30 HR 2918 Continuing Appropriations Resolution and 2009-2010 Legislative Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (62 - 38)
9/25 HR 2918 Continuing Appropriations Resolution and 2009-2010 Legislative Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (217 - 190)
9/23 SJR 5 Redistricting Commission Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
9/16 HB 544 Increasing Legislative Oversight of Federal Funds Veto Override Failed - House (86 - 71)
9/15 H Res 744 Resolution of Disapproval of Representative Joe Wilson's Conduct Resolution Passed - House (240 - 179)
4/01 SB 200 Reorganization of the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - House (90 - 84)
3/19 HB 393 Opening Conference Committees to the Public Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 8)
3/12 HB 2320 State Spending Limitations and Savings Accounts Bill Passed - House (89 - 33)
3/11 HB 345 Regulating Former Lawmakers in Lobbying Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/05 SB 200 Reorganization of State Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 25)
3/04 HCR 6 Resolution Regarding States' Rights "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (216 - 150)
2/26 S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
2/25 SB 141 Allowing Increase of Penalties for Convicted Public Officials Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12)
2/20 Ainsworth Amdt Legislative Pay Cut Amendment Rejected - House (50 - 88)
2/19 SB 15 Limiting Per Diem Payments to Legislators Motion Agreed - Senate (37 - 11)
2/10 HB 1656 Shifting Federal Transportation Funding to Counties and Localities Bill Passed - House (88 - 11)
2/09 SJR 3 Extending Senate Terms and Legislative Term-Limits Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
2/06 SB 187 Limitations on Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
2/05 HB 1557 Even-Numbered Year Budget Adjustment Legislative Sessions Bill Failed - House (33 - 61)
2/02 SJ 7 Statement of Opposition to Expansion of EPA Jurisdiction (H.R. 2421) Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
1/27 HB 1050 Freedom of Information Act Exemption Specifications Bill Passed - House (57 - 31)
1/26 HCR 5 Rejecting Pay Increases for Elected Officials and Judges Resolution Passed - House (129 - 31)
1/14 SR 14 Majority Vote Requirement for Voter ID Bill Consideration Resolution Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
6/23 S 1962 State Worker Retirement and Health Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
6/23 S 1962 State Worker Retirement and Health Benefits Bill Passed - House (52 - 13)
6/21 HB 906 Anonymity of Ethics Board Complaints Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 21)
6/13 SB 672 Legislative Pay Increase Bill Passed - House (56 - 45)
6/10 SB 672 Legislative Pay Increase Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/29 S Amdt 3870 Legislator Financial Disclosures Amendment Rejected - Senate (5 - 29)
5/12 HB 2017 Legislative Approval for Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 22)
5/07 HJR 132 Legislative Salaries Joint Resolution Passed - House (94 - 8)
4/23 HB 2017 Legislative Approval for Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
4/16 HR 24 Impeachment Petition Resolution Tabled - House (227 - 95)
4/10 H Res 1092 Postponing the Consideration of the Trade Agreement with Colombia Resolution Passed - House (224 - 195)
3/24 HB 859 Salary Adjustments for State Officials Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 3)
3/19 SB 2264 Authorizing Wire-tapping Out of State Bill Passed - House (97 - 21)
3/18 HB 1297 Supplemental Department of Public Safety Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
3/13 S Amdt 4347 Earmark Moratorium Motion Rejected - Senate (29 - 71)
3/12 DeLeo Amdt Legislative Committee Chair Pay Raises Amendment Adopted - House (126 - 20)
3/12 HB 600 State Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
3/12 HB 2196 Campaign Finance Restrictions Bill Passed - House (92 - 8)
3/11 H Res 1031 Establishment of the Office of Congressional Ethics Resolution Passed - House (229 - 182)
2/27 HB 1297 Supplemental Department of Public Safety Funding Bill Passed - House (45 - 20)
2/26 HB 4076 Legislative Pay Raise Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
2/21 HB 1250 Legislative Pay Raise Bill Tabled - Senate (29 - 4)
2/14 H Res 982 Contempt Charges Resolution Passed - House (223 - 32)
2/14 HB 859 Salary Adjustments for State Officials Bill Passed - House (61 - 60)
2/05 HB 1250 Legislative Pay Raise Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
1/24 GN Baker Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (21 - 13)
1/24 HR 1005 Censuring Representative Douglas Bruce Resolution Passed - House (62 - 1)
10/31 SB 229 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
10/31 SB 229 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 25)
9/18 S 1257 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (57 - 42)
8/02 S 1 Lobbying and Donation Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (83 - 14)
7/31 S 1 Lobbying and Donation Regulations Bill Passed - House (411 - 8)
4/19 HR 1905 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (241 - 177)
4/05 S 355 Restructuring the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
2/06 SJR 7 Extension of Term Limits Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
9/26 N/A Motion to Resolve Into Secret Session Motion Rejected - House (171 - 217)
6/07 HR 5521 Legislative Branch FY 2007 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (361 - 53)
5/03 HR 4975 527 Reform Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (217 - 213)
3/30 H Res 746 Jack Abramoff Investigation Resolution Resolution Tabled - House (216 - 193)
10/18 S Amdt 2062 Congressional Pay Raise Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (92 - 6)
9/15 S Amdt 1678 Hurricane Katrina Relief Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (43 - 52)
9/15 H Res 437 Bipartisan Committee to Investigate Hurricane Katrina Resolution Passed - House (224 - 188)
9/14 S Amdt 1670 Special Committee on Contracts in Afghanistan and Iraq Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 53)
7/29 HR 2985 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2006 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (96 - 4)
7/28 HR 2985 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2006 Conference Report Adopted - House (305 - 122)
6/22 HR 2985 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2006 Bill Passed - House (330 - 82)
9/21 HR 4755 Legislative Branch FY2005 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 2)
7/12 HR 4755 Legislative Branch FY2005 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (327 - 43)
6/02 H J Res 83 Special Elections/Appointments Provisions Bill Joint Resolution Failed - House (63 - 353)
4/22 HR 2844 Continuity in Representation Act of 2003 Bill Passed - House (306 - 97)
10/23 S Amdt 1904 Congressional Pay Raise Amendment Amendment Tabled - Senate (60 - 34)
9/24 HR 2657 Emergency Supplemental Appropriation, FY 2003 bill Conference Report Adopted - House (371 - 56)
7/11 HR 2657 Emergency Supplemental Appropriation, FY 2003 bill Bill Passed - Senate (85 - 7)
7/09 HR 2657 Emergency Supplemental Appropriation, FY 2003 bill Bill Passed - House (394 - 26)
7/25 HR 5121 Legislative Branch Appropriation, FY2003 Bill Passed - Senate (85 - 14)
7/24 H Res 495 Expulsion of Representative James A. Traficant, Jr., D-Ohio Resolution Passed - House (420 - 1)
7/18 HR 5121 Legislative Branch Appropriation, FY2003 Bill Passed - House (365 - 49)
11/01 HR 2647 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2002 Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 52)
8/05 HR 1905 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2000 Conference Report Adopted - House (367 - 49)
6/16 HR 1905 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2000 Bill Passed - Senate (95 - 4)
6/10 HR 1905 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2000 Bill Passed - House (214 - 197)
9/24 HR 4112 Legislative Branch FY99 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (356 - 65)
7/21 HR 4112 Legislative Branch FY99 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - Senate (90 - 9)
6/25 S Amdt 2981 Military Closure Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (48 - 45)

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