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
May 19, 2016 National H Amdt 1079 Prohibits Use of Funds for Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Amendment Rejected - House (212 - 213)
May 5, 2016 AZ SB 1377 Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Failed - House (29 - 31)
May 4, 2016 AZ SB 1377 Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Failed - House (28 - 32)
May 4, 2016 LA HB 1148 Prohibits Sanctuary Cities from Receiving Certain State Funds Bill Passed - House (67 - 27)
May 4, 2016 LA HB 453 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (65 - 20)
April 18, 2016 TN SJR 467 Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program Bill Passed - House (69 - 25)
March 17, 2016 National H Res 639 Authorizing the Speaker to Appear as Amicus Curiae on Behalf of the House of Representatives in the Matter of United States, et al. v. Texas, et al., No. 15-674 Resolution Passed - House (234 - 186)
March 10, 2016 UT SB 246 Authorizes Infrastructure Appropriations Bill Passed - House (52 - 17)
Feb. 26, 2016 GA HB 781 Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants from Serving on Local Governing Bodies Bill Passed - House (93 - 50)
Feb. 18, 2016 AZ HB 2451 Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates Bill Passed - House (36 - 21)
Feb. 16, 2016 WI SB 533 Prohibits Local Governments from Issuing Identification Cards Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 16, 2016 WI AB 450 Prohibits Local Policies Preventing Immigration Status Inquiries Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 3, 2016 FL HB 675 Requires Local Governments to Enforce Federal Immigration Regulations Bill Passed - House (80 - 38)
Jan. 21, 2016 NM HB 99 Requires Driver's Licenses to Comply with Federal Standards Bill Passed - House (39 - 30)
Dec. 3, 2015 National HR 8 North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act Bill Passed - House (249 - 174)
Dec. 3, 2015 National HR 8 North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act Bill Passed - House (249 - 174)
Nov. 19, 2015 National HR 4038 American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act Bill Passed - House (289 - 137)
Nov. 19, 2015 National HR 4038 American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act Bill Passed - House (289 - 137)
Nov. 17, 2015 OH HCR 31 Urges the President to Prevent Resettlement of Syrian Refugees into the United States Joint Resolution Passed - House (65 - 29)
Oct. 9, 2015 National HR 702 To Adapt to Changing Crude Oil Market Conditions Bill Passed - House (261 - 159)
Oct. 1, 2015 National HR 1735 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Conference Report Adopted - House (270 - 156)
Oct. 1, 2015 National HR 1735 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Conference Report Adopted - House (270 - 156)
Oct. 1, 2015 National HR 3457 Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act Bill Passed - House (251 - 173)
Oct. 1, 2015 National HR 3457 Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act Bill Passed - House (251 - 173)
Sept. 29, 2015 NC HB 318 Prohibits Local Governments from Recognizing Identity Documents issued by Foreign Governments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 43)
Sept. 11, 2015 National HR 3460 To Suspend Until January 21, 2017, the Authority of the President to Waive, Suspend, Reduce, Provide Relief from, or Otherwise Limit the Application of Sanctions Pursuant to an Agreement Related to the Nuclear Program of Iran Bill Passed - House (247 - 186)
Sept. 11, 2015 National HR 3460 To Suspend Until January 21, 2017, the Authority of the President to Waive, Suspend, Reduce, Provide Relief from, or Otherwise Limit the Application of Sanctions Pursuant to an Agreement Related to the Nuclear Program of Iran Bill Passed - House (247 - 186)
Sept. 10, 2015 National H Res 411 Finding that the President Has Not Complied with Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 Bill Passed - House (245 - 186)
July 23, 2015 National HR 3009 Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act Bill Passed - House (241 - 179)
July 2, 2015 OR SB 932 Authorizes Financial Aid for Undocumented Students Bill Passed - House (34 - 25)
June 30, 2015 DE SB 59 Authorizes an Undocumented Immigrant to Apply For and Obtain Valid Driving Privileges Bill Passed - House (22 - 15)
June 16, 2015 National HR 2596 Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Bill Passed - House (247 - 178)
June 16, 2015 National HR 2596 Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Bill Passed - House (247 - 178)
June 11, 2015 National HR 2685 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2016 Bill Passed - House (278 - 149)
May 19, 2015 CT HB 6844 Amends Eligibility Requirements for In-State Tuition Bill Passed - House (78 - 70)
May 15, 2015 National H Amdt 226 Limits Use of Funds to Implement New START Treaty Amendment Adopted - House (235 - 182)
May 15, 2015 National H Amdt 226 Limits Use of Funds to Implement New START Treaty Amendment Adopted - House (235 - 182)
May 15, 2015 National HR 1735 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Bill Passed - House (269 - 151)
May 15, 2015 National HR 1735 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Bill Passed - House (269 - 151)
April 22, 2015 TN SB 612 Exempts Certain Students from Out-of-State Tuition Bill Failed - House (49 - 47)
March 11, 2015 MO HB 187 Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants from Receiving Student Financial Aid Bill Passed - House (111 - 41)
March 10, 2015 AZ HB 2368 Prohibits Use of State Funds to Enforce Executive Orders not Authorized by Congress Bill Passed - House (36 - 24)
Feb. 27, 2015 National S J Res 35 Making Further Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 Bill Failed - House (203 - 224)
Feb. 12, 2015 NM HB 32 Limits Driver's Licenses for Foreign Nationals Bill Passed - House (39 - 29)
Jan. 14, 2015 National HR 240 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015 Bill Passed - House (236 - 191)
Jan. 14, 2015 National HR 240 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015 Bill Passed - House (236 - 191)
Dec. 18, 2014 NJ S 1811 Requires Made in the United States Materials for Public Works Bill Passed - House (43 - 24)
Dec. 4, 2014 National HR 5759 Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act of 2014 Bill Passed - House (219 - 197)
Sept. 17, 2014 National H Amdt 1141 Authorizes Aid to Syrian Opposition Amendment Adopted - House (273 - 156)
Sept. 17, 2014 National H J Res 124 Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 Joint Resolution Passed - House (319 - 108)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/19 H Amdt 1079 Prohibits Use of Funds for Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Amendment Rejected - House (212 - 213)
5/05 SB 1377 Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Failed - House (29 - 31)
5/04 SB 1377 Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Failed - House (28 - 32)
5/04 HB 1148 Prohibits Sanctuary Cities from Receiving Certain State Funds Bill Passed - House (67 - 27)
5/04 HB 453 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (65 - 20)
4/18 SJR 467 Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program Bill Passed - House (69 - 25)
3/17 H Res 639 Authorizing the Speaker to Appear as Amicus Curiae on Behalf of the House of Representatives in the Matter of United States, et al. v. Texas, et al., No. 15-674 Resolution Passed - House (234 - 186)
3/10 SB 246 Authorizes Infrastructure Appropriations Bill Passed - House (52 - 17)
2/26 HB 781 Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants from Serving on Local Governing Bodies Bill Passed - House (93 - 50)
2/18 HB 2451 Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates Bill Passed - House (36 - 21)
2/16 SB 533 Prohibits Local Governments from Issuing Identification Cards Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/16 AB 450 Prohibits Local Policies Preventing Immigration Status Inquiries Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/03 HB 675 Requires Local Governments to Enforce Federal Immigration Regulations Bill Passed - House (80 - 38)
1/21 HB 99 Requires Driver's Licenses to Comply with Federal Standards Bill Passed - House (39 - 30)
12/03 HR 8 North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act Bill Passed - House (249 - 174)
12/03 HR 8 North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act Bill Passed - House (249 - 174)
11/19 HR 4038 American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act Bill Passed - House (289 - 137)
11/19 HR 4038 American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act Bill Passed - House (289 - 137)
11/17 HCR 31 Urges the President to Prevent Resettlement of Syrian Refugees into the United States Joint Resolution Passed - House (65 - 29)
10/09 HR 702 To Adapt to Changing Crude Oil Market Conditions Bill Passed - House (261 - 159)
10/01 HR 1735 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Conference Report Adopted - House (270 - 156)
10/01 HR 1735 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Conference Report Adopted - House (270 - 156)
10/01 HR 3457 Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act Bill Passed - House (251 - 173)
10/01 HR 3457 Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act Bill Passed - House (251 - 173)
9/29 HB 318 Prohibits Local Governments from Recognizing Identity Documents issued by Foreign Governments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 43)
9/11 HR 3460 To Suspend Until January 21, 2017, the Authority of the President to Waive, Suspend, Reduce, Provide Relief from, or Otherwise Limit the Application of Sanctions Pursuant to an Agreement Related to the Nuclear Program of Iran Bill Passed - House (247 - 186)
9/11 HR 3460 To Suspend Until January 21, 2017, the Authority of the President to Waive, Suspend, Reduce, Provide Relief from, or Otherwise Limit the Application of Sanctions Pursuant to an Agreement Related to the Nuclear Program of Iran Bill Passed - House (247 - 186)
9/10 H Res 411 Finding that the President Has Not Complied with Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 Bill Passed - House (245 - 186)
7/23 HR 3009 Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act Bill Passed - House (241 - 179)
7/02 SB 932 Authorizes Financial Aid for Undocumented Students Bill Passed - House (34 - 25)
6/30 SB 59 Authorizes an Undocumented Immigrant to Apply For and Obtain Valid Driving Privileges Bill Passed - House (22 - 15)
6/16 HR 2596 Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Bill Passed - House (247 - 178)
6/16 HR 2596 Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Bill Passed - House (247 - 178)
6/11 HR 2685 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2016 Bill Passed - House (278 - 149)
5/19 HB 6844 Amends Eligibility Requirements for In-State Tuition Bill Passed - House (78 - 70)
5/15 H Amdt 226 Limits Use of Funds to Implement New START Treaty Amendment Adopted - House (235 - 182)
5/15 H Amdt 226 Limits Use of Funds to Implement New START Treaty Amendment Adopted - House (235 - 182)
5/15 HR 1735 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Bill Passed - House (269 - 151)
5/15 HR 1735 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Bill Passed - House (269 - 151)
4/22 SB 612 Exempts Certain Students from Out-of-State Tuition Bill Failed - House (49 - 47)
3/11 HB 187 Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants from Receiving Student Financial Aid Bill Passed - House (111 - 41)
3/10 HB 2368 Prohibits Use of State Funds to Enforce Executive Orders not Authorized by Congress Bill Passed - House (36 - 24)
2/27 S J Res 35 Making Further Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 Bill Failed - House (203 - 224)
2/12 HB 32 Limits Driver's Licenses for Foreign Nationals Bill Passed - House (39 - 29)
1/14 HR 240 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015 Bill Passed - House (236 - 191)
1/14 HR 240 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015 Bill Passed - House (236 - 191)
12/18 S 1811 Requires Made in the United States Materials for Public Works Bill Passed - House (43 - 24)
12/04 HR 5759 Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act of 2014 Bill Passed - House (219 - 197)
9/17 H Amdt 1141 Authorizes Aid to Syrian Opposition Amendment Adopted - House (273 - 156)
9/17 H J Res 124 Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 Joint Resolution Passed - House (319 - 108)

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