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. 7, 2006 MS HB 1090 Juvenile Sentencing Bill Passed - House (74 - 48)
Feb. 7, 2006 MS HB 1090 Juvenile Sentencing Bill Passed - House (74 - 48)
Feb. 7, 2006 MS SB 2511 Parole Eligibility for First-Time Nonviolent Offenders Under Twenty-Five Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
Feb. 6, 2006 ID HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
Feb. 6, 2006 SD HB 1184 Medical Treatments that Violate Medical Workers Principles Bill Failed - House (34 - 35)
Feb. 4, 2006 NM HB 211 Pseudoephedrine as a Controlled Substance Bill Passed - House (42 - 20)
Feb. 3, 2006 MS HB 1089 Deer Baiting Bill Passed - House (63 - 46)
Feb. 3, 2006 VA HB 45 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
Feb. 2, 2006 IN HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Bill Passed - House (64 - 30)
Feb. 2, 2006 VA SB 253 Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 2, 2006 IN HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Bill Passed - House (64 - 30)
Feb. 1, 2006 AK HB 149 Controlled Substance Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (15 - 23)
Feb. 1, 2006 AK HB 149 Controlled Substance Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (15 - 23)
Feb. 1, 2006 AK HB 149 Controlled Substance Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (15 - 23)
Feb. 1, 2006 IN HB 1028 Firearms and Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (82 - 18)
Jan. 31, 2006 WI SB 403 Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (64 - 34)
Jan. 31, 2006 VA SB 362 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
Jan. 31, 2006 NM SB 258 Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
Jan. 31, 2006 NM SB 258 Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
Jan. 31, 2006 IN SB 145 Vehicle Seizure and Driving While Intoxicated Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
Jan. 27, 2006 WA Sub HB 2661 Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Human Rights Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 37)
Jan. 27, 2006 MS HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 4)
Jan. 27, 2006 MS HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 4)
Jan. 27, 2006 WA Sub HB 2661 Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Human Rights Commission Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
Jan. 26, 2006 WI SB 403 Concealed Weapons Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
Jan. 26, 2006 RI H 6700 Sub A Driver Refusal of Chemical Tests Bill Passed - House (64 - 6)
Jan. 25, 2006 VA SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
Jan. 24, 2006 IN SB 88 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
Jan. 23, 2006 SD SB 1 Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
Jan. 23, 2006 SD SB 1 Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
Jan. 20, 2006 WA Sub HB 2661 Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Human Rights Commission Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
Jan. 17, 2006 WI SB 403 Concealed Weapons Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
Jan. 12, 2006 MS HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - House (95 - 25)
Jan. 12, 2006 MS HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - House (95 - 25)
Jan. 9, 2006 NJ S 2783 Age Restrictions for the Purchase of Tobacco Products Bill Passed - House (58 - 16)
Jan. 9, 2006 NJ S 2083 Domestic Partner Surviving Rights Bill Passed - House (67 - 8)
Jan. 9, 2006 NY A 2302 Childproof Firearms Sales Bill Passed - House (91 - 44)
Jan. 9, 2006 NY A 2466 Assault Weapon Definition Amendments Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
Jan. 9, 2006 NY A 2302 Childproof Firearms Sales Bill Passed - House (91 - 44)
Jan. 9, 2006 NY A 2466 Assault Weapon Definition Amendments Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
Jan. 3, 2006 RI H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
Jan. 3, 2006 RI H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - House (59 - 13)
Dec. 21, 2005 National HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 44)
Dec. 21, 2005 National HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 44)
Dec. 21, 2005 National HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (93 - 0)
Dec. 21, 2005 National HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (93 - 0)
Dec. 19, 2005 National HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (308 - 106)
Dec. 19, 2005 National HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (308 - 106)
Dec. 16, 2005 National HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (52 - 47)
Dec. 16, 2005 National HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (52 - 47)
Dec. 16, 2005 National HR 4437 Border Security Bill Bill Passed - House (239 - 182)
Dec. 14, 2005 National HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Conference Report Adopted - House (251 - 174)
Dec. 14, 2005 National HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Conference Report Adopted - House (251 - 174)
Nov. 16, 2005 National HR 2862 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill, FY 2006 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (94 - 5)
Nov. 15, 2005 National S Amdt 2523 Judicial Review of Detainees Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 54)
Nov. 15, 2005 National S Amdt 2524 Guantanamo Bay Detainees Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (84 - 14)
Nov. 10, 2005 National S Amdt 2516 Detainees at Guantanamo Bay Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (49 - 42)
Nov. 9, 2005 National HR 2862 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill, FY 2006 Conference Report Adopted - House (397 - 19)
Nov. 3, 2005 National S Amdt 2400 Alaska Judicial Review of Oil Revenue Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 51)
Nov. 3, 2005 National S Amdt 2409 Targeted Case Management Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 52)
Nov. 2, 2005 National HR 1606 Online Freedom of Speech Act Bill Failed - House (225 - 182)
Oct. 27, 2005 National HR 420 Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2005 Bill Passed - House (228 - 184)
Oct. 20, 2005 National S 397 Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill Bill Passed - House (283 - 144)
Oct. 19, 2005 National HR 554 Food Industry Obesity Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (306 - 120)
Oct. 7, 2005 National HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - Senate (97 - 0)
Oct. 7, 2005 National HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - Senate (97 - 0)
Sept. 15, 2005 National H Res 437 Bipartisan Committee to Investigate Hurricane Katrina Resolution Passed - House (224 - 188)
Sept. 14, 2005 National S Amdt 1660 Congressional Commission on Hurricane Katrina Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 54)
July 29, 2005 National S 397 Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 31)
July 28, 2005 National S Amdt 1626 Child Safety Lock Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (70 - 30)
July 28, 2005 National HR 5 Malpractice Liability Reform Bill Bill Passed - House (230 - 194)
July 26, 2005 National S Amdt 1351 Corporate Financing of Terrorism Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 51)
July 21, 2005 National HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Motion Rejected - House (209 - 218)
July 21, 2005 National HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Motion Rejected - House (209 - 218)
July 21, 2005 National HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Bill Passed - House (257 - 171)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/07 HB 1090 Juvenile Sentencing Bill Passed - House (74 - 48)
2/07 HB 1090 Juvenile Sentencing Bill Passed - House (74 - 48)
2/07 SB 2511 Parole Eligibility for First-Time Nonviolent Offenders Under Twenty-Five Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
2/06 HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
2/06 HB 1184 Medical Treatments that Violate Medical Workers Principles Bill Failed - House (34 - 35)
2/04 HB 211 Pseudoephedrine as a Controlled Substance Bill Passed - House (42 - 20)
2/03 HB 1089 Deer Baiting Bill Passed - House (63 - 46)
2/03 HB 45 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
2/02 HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Bill Passed - House (64 - 30)
2/02 SB 253 Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/02 HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Bill Passed - House (64 - 30)
2/01 HB 149 Controlled Substance Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (15 - 23)
2/01 HB 149 Controlled Substance Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (15 - 23)
2/01 HB 149 Controlled Substance Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (15 - 23)
2/01 HB 1028 Firearms and Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (82 - 18)
1/31 SB 403 Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (64 - 34)
1/31 SB 362 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
1/31 SB 258 Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
1/31 SB 258 Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
1/31 SB 145 Vehicle Seizure and Driving While Intoxicated Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
1/27 Sub HB 2661 Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Human Rights Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 37)
1/27 HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 4)
1/27 HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 4)
1/27 Sub HB 2661 Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Human Rights Commission Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
1/26 SB 403 Concealed Weapons Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
1/26 H 6700 Sub A Driver Refusal of Chemical Tests Bill Passed - House (64 - 6)
1/25 SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
1/24 SB 88 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
1/23 SB 1 Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
1/23 SB 1 Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
1/20 Sub HB 2661 Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Human Rights Commission Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
1/17 SB 403 Concealed Weapons Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
1/12 HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - House (95 - 25)
1/12 HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - House (95 - 25)
1/09 S 2783 Age Restrictions for the Purchase of Tobacco Products Bill Passed - House (58 - 16)
1/09 S 2083 Domestic Partner Surviving Rights Bill Passed - House (67 - 8)
1/09 A 2302 Childproof Firearms Sales Bill Passed - House (91 - 44)
1/09 A 2466 Assault Weapon Definition Amendments Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
1/09 A 2302 Childproof Firearms Sales Bill Passed - House (91 - 44)
1/09 A 2466 Assault Weapon Definition Amendments Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
1/03 H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
1/03 H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - House (59 - 13)
12/21 HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 44)
12/21 HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 44)
12/21 HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (93 - 0)
12/21 HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (93 - 0)
12/19 HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (308 - 106)
12/19 HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (308 - 106)
12/16 HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (52 - 47)
12/16 HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (52 - 47)
12/16 HR 4437 Border Security Bill Bill Passed - House (239 - 182)
12/14 HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Conference Report Adopted - House (251 - 174)
12/14 HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Conference Report Adopted - House (251 - 174)
11/16 HR 2862 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill, FY 2006 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (94 - 5)
11/15 S Amdt 2523 Judicial Review of Detainees Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 54)
11/15 S Amdt 2524 Guantanamo Bay Detainees Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (84 - 14)
11/10 S Amdt 2516 Detainees at Guantanamo Bay Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (49 - 42)
11/09 HR 2862 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill, FY 2006 Conference Report Adopted - House (397 - 19)
11/03 S Amdt 2400 Alaska Judicial Review of Oil Revenue Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 51)
11/03 S Amdt 2409 Targeted Case Management Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 52)
11/02 HR 1606 Online Freedom of Speech Act Bill Failed - House (225 - 182)
10/27 HR 420 Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2005 Bill Passed - House (228 - 184)
10/20 S 397 Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill Bill Passed - House (283 - 144)
10/19 HR 554 Food Industry Obesity Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (306 - 120)
10/07 HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - Senate (97 - 0)
10/07 HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - Senate (97 - 0)
9/15 H Res 437 Bipartisan Committee to Investigate Hurricane Katrina Resolution Passed - House (224 - 188)
9/14 S Amdt 1660 Congressional Commission on Hurricane Katrina Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 54)
7/29 S 397 Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 31)
7/28 S Amdt 1626 Child Safety Lock Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (70 - 30)
7/28 HR 5 Malpractice Liability Reform Bill Bill Passed - House (230 - 194)
7/26 S Amdt 1351 Corporate Financing of Terrorism Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 51)
7/21 HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Motion Rejected - House (209 - 218)
7/21 HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Motion Rejected - House (209 - 218)
7/21 HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Bill Passed - House (257 - 171)

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