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
June 3, 2025 National PN 22-16 Nomination of Dale Marks to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (72 - 26)
June 3, 2025 National PN 25-19 Nomination of Allison Hooker to be an Under Secretary of State (Political Affairs) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 36)
June 3, 2025 National PN 25-19 Nomination of Allison Hooker to be an Under Secretary of State (Political Affairs) Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 37)
June 3, 2025 National PN 22-16 Nomination of Dale Marks to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Cloture Invoked - Senate (66 - 28)
June 2, 2025 National PN 17 Nomination of Michael Duffey to be Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 45)
June 2, 2025 CA SB 98 Requires School Districts and Certain Universities to Notify Students, Faculty, and Other Campus Members When Federal Immigration Enforcement is Present Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
June 2, 2025 CA SB 323 Requires an Amendment to the California Dream Act Application That Clarifies That it May Be Used by Any Student Eligible for State Financial Aid Programs Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 1)
June 2, 2025 CA SB 81 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Obtaining Medical Information from Healthcare Providers without a Valid Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
June 1, 2025 LA SB 100 Requires State Agencies to Track and Report the Services Received by Undocumented Immigrants to Determine the Amount of Tax Dollars Spent on Them Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
May 31, 2025 TX SB 8 Requires Local Law Enforcement Assist the Federal Government in Deportation Efforts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
May 30, 2025 TX SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 8)
May 29, 2025 OK HB 2769 Amends Leadership Requirements and Duties for Positions Within the Oklahoma National Guard Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
May 29, 2025 IL HB 2987 Establishes the Warehouse Tornado Preparedness Act Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 2)
May 27, 2025 CT HB 7259 Amends and Strengthens the State's Existing Trust Act which Limits Cooperation Between State and Local Law Enforcement and Federal Immigration Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
May 21, 2025 OK SB 20 Requires CDL Holders to Understand English Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
May 21, 2025 LA HB 436 Prohibits Unauthorized Immigrants from Receiving General Damages Stemming from Auto Accidents Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
May 19, 2025 National PN 24-4 Nomination of Charles Kushner to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 45)
May 19, 2025 National PN 24-4 Nomination of Charles Kushner to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 46)
May 15, 2025 NH HB 511 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies in the State "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
May 15, 2025 NH SB 62 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officials to Enter into Agreements with ICE Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (15 - 8)
May 15, 2025 National S Res 195 A resolution requesting information on El Salvador's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Motion Rejected - Senate (45 - 50)
May 14, 2025 National PN 12-31 Nomination of Emil Michael to be Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Nomination Confirmed - Senate (54 - 43)
May 14, 2025 National PN 12-31 Nomination of Emil Michael to be Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 43)
May 13, 2025 National PN 12-30 Nomination of Troy Meink to be Secretary of the Air Force Nomination Confirmed - Senate (74 - 25)
May 13, 2025 NY A 2123 Authorizes Additional Credits for the Children and Siblings of Deceased Sanitation Workers Related to the 9/11 Terror Attacks Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 0)
May 13, 2025 National PN 12-30 Nomination of Troy Meink to be Secretary of the Air Force Cloture Invoked - Senate (72 - 26)
May 12, 2025 LA SB 15 Authorizes Punishments to Jailers for Not Cooperating with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
May 5, 2025 CO SB 25-276 Extends and Expands the State's Protections on Disclosing Personal Information Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
April 30, 2025 National S J Res 49 A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs. Motion Agreed - Senate (50 - 49)
April 29, 2025 National PN 54-5 Nomination of David Perdue to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Nomination Confirmed - Senate (67 - 29)
April 29, 2025 National PN 26-18 Nomination of Tilman Fertitta to be Ambassador to the Italian Republic and the Republic of San Marino Nomination Confirmed - Senate (83 - 14)
April 29, 2025 National PN 26-3 Nomination of Thomas Barrack to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey Nomination Confirmed - Senate (60 - 36)
April 29, 2025 National PN 26-3 Nomination of Thomas Barrack to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey Nomination Confirmed - Senate (60 - 36)
April 29, 2025 National PN 24-5 Nomination of Warren Stephens to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 39)
April 29, 2025 National PN 24-5 Nomination of Warren Stephens to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 39)
April 29, 2025 National PN 54-5 Nomination of David Perdue to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Nomination Confirmed - Senate (67 - 29)
April 29, 2025 National PN 26-18 Nomination of Tilman Fertitta to be Ambassador to the Italian Republic and the Republic of San Marino Cloture Invoked - Senate (84 - 13)
April 29, 2025 National PN 26-3 Nomination of Thomas Barrack to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey Cloture Invoked - Senate (62 - 36)
April 29, 2025 National PN 26-3 Nomination of Thomas Barrack to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey Cloture Invoked - Senate (62 - 36)
April 29, 2025 National PN 24-5 Nomination of Warren Stephens to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 39)
April 29, 2025 National PN 24-5 Nomination of Warren Stephens to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 39)
April 28, 2025 National PN 54-5 Nomination of David Perdue to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Cloture Invoked - Senate (64 - 27)
April 28, 2025 National PN 54-5 Nomination of David Perdue to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Cloture Invoked - Senate (64 - 27)
April 24, 2025 TX SB 1717 Amends the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" on State Maps and Documents Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
April 22, 2025 NV SB 124 Authorizes Limited Licensure of Certain Foreign Physicians Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
April 21, 2025 CO SB 25-276 Extends and Expands the State's Protections on Disclosing Personal Information Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
April 16, 2025 AR HB 1974 Prohibits State Entities from Employing Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
April 14, 2025 IA SF 369 Requires High School Students to Pass a Civics Test Identical to the U.S. Citizenship Test to Graduate Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
April 12, 2025 MT HB 818 Prohibits Most Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiative Organizations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
April 11, 2025 National PN 27 Nomination of Lt. Gen. John D. Caine to be Major General in the Regular Air Force Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 26)
April 11, 2025 National PN 28 Nomination of Lt. Gen. John D. Caine to be General and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Nomination Confirmed - Senate (60 - 25)
April 11, 2025 National PN 27 Nomination of Lt. Gen. John D. Caine to be Major General in the Regular Air Force Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 26)
April 11, 2025 National PN 28 Nomination of Lt. Gen. John D. Caine to be General and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Cloture Invoked - Senate (60 - 25)
April 11, 2025 National PN 27 Nomination of Lt. Gen. John D. Caine to be Major General in the Regular Air Force Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 25)
April 11, 2025 National PN 27 Nomination of Lt. Gen. John D. Caine to be Major General in the Regular Air Force Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 25)
April 10, 2025 National PN 12-29 Nomination of Mark Meador to be a Federal Trade Commissioner Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 46)
April 10, 2025 ND HB 1600 Establishes an Immigration-Focused Law Clinic at the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 10, 2025 WA HB 1321 Prohibits Any Federal Armed Forces from Entering the State Without Governor Authority Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
April 10, 2025 National PN 12-29 Nomination of Mark Meador to be a Federal Trade Commissioner Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
April 10, 2025 TX SB 36 Establishes a Texas Homeland Security Division Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
April 10, 2025 IL SB 2339 Prohibits Employers from Firing an Immigrant Worker if Their Records Don't Match the Federal E-Verify System Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 21)
April 10, 2025 TN SB 836 Authorizes Schools to Charge Undocumented Students Tuition Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
April 9, 2025 AZ HB 2099 Requires All Government Employees at Any Level in Arizona Enforce and Cooperate with All immigration Orders Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
April 8, 2025 National PN 12-9 Nomination of Elbridge Colby to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (54 - 45)
April 8, 2025 National PN 25-14 Nomination of George Glass to be Ambassador of the United States of America to Japan Nomination Confirmed - Senate (66 - 32)
April 8, 2025 National PN 25-14 Nomination of George Glass to be Ambassador of the United States of America to Japan Cloture Invoked - Senate (67 - 32)
April 8, 2025 National PN 25-18 Nomination of Peter Hoekstra to be Ambassador to Canada Cloture Invoked - Senate (60 - 37)
April 8, 2025 National PN 25-20 Nomination of Mike Huckabee to be Ambassador to the State of Israel Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 46)
April 8, 2025 National PN 25-22 Nomination of Ronald Johnson to be Ambassador to the United Mexican States Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 44)
April 8, 2025 National PN 25-6 Nomination of Kevin Cabrera to be Ambassador to the Republic of Panama Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 42)
April 8, 2025 NY S 5014 Prohibits the Importation, Transportation, and Possession of Certain African Wildlife Species and Products Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 8)
April 7, 2025 MD HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 7, 2025 National PN 12-9 Nomination of Elbridge Colby to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 39)
April 3, 2025 AR HB 1745 Authorizes Fines for Semi-Truck Drivers Who Cannot Speak English Sufficiently Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
April 3, 2025 IL SB 220 Extends the Military Leave Act to Authorize Paid Leave for Funeral Honors Details Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/03 PN 22-16 Nomination of Dale Marks to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (72 - 26)
6/03 PN 25-19 Nomination of Allison Hooker to be an Under Secretary of State (Political Affairs) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 36)
6/03 PN 25-19 Nomination of Allison Hooker to be an Under Secretary of State (Political Affairs) Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 37)
6/03 PN 22-16 Nomination of Dale Marks to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Cloture Invoked - Senate (66 - 28)
6/02 PN 17 Nomination of Michael Duffey to be Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 45)
6/02 SB 98 Requires School Districts and Certain Universities to Notify Students, Faculty, and Other Campus Members When Federal Immigration Enforcement is Present Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
6/02 SB 323 Requires an Amendment to the California Dream Act Application That Clarifies That it May Be Used by Any Student Eligible for State Financial Aid Programs Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 1)
6/02 SB 81 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Obtaining Medical Information from Healthcare Providers without a Valid Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
6/01 SB 100 Requires State Agencies to Track and Report the Services Received by Undocumented Immigrants to Determine the Amount of Tax Dollars Spent on Them Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
5/31 SB 8 Requires Local Law Enforcement Assist the Federal Government in Deportation Efforts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
5/30 SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 8)
5/29 HB 2769 Amends Leadership Requirements and Duties for Positions Within the Oklahoma National Guard Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
5/29 HB 2987 Establishes the Warehouse Tornado Preparedness Act Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 2)
5/27 HB 7259 Amends and Strengthens the State's Existing Trust Act which Limits Cooperation Between State and Local Law Enforcement and Federal Immigration Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
5/21 SB 20 Requires CDL Holders to Understand English Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
5/21 HB 436 Prohibits Unauthorized Immigrants from Receiving General Damages Stemming from Auto Accidents Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
5/19 PN 24-4 Nomination of Charles Kushner to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 45)
5/19 PN 24-4 Nomination of Charles Kushner to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 46)
5/15 HB 511 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies in the State "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
5/15 SB 62 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officials to Enter into Agreements with ICE Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (15 - 8)
5/15 S Res 195 A resolution requesting information on El Salvador's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Motion Rejected - Senate (45 - 50)
5/14 PN 12-31 Nomination of Emil Michael to be Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Nomination Confirmed - Senate (54 - 43)
5/14 PN 12-31 Nomination of Emil Michael to be Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 43)
5/13 PN 12-30 Nomination of Troy Meink to be Secretary of the Air Force Nomination Confirmed - Senate (74 - 25)
5/13 A 2123 Authorizes Additional Credits for the Children and Siblings of Deceased Sanitation Workers Related to the 9/11 Terror Attacks Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 0)
5/13 PN 12-30 Nomination of Troy Meink to be Secretary of the Air Force Cloture Invoked - Senate (72 - 26)
5/12 SB 15 Authorizes Punishments to Jailers for Not Cooperating with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
5/05 SB 25-276 Extends and Expands the State's Protections on Disclosing Personal Information Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
4/30 S J Res 49 A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs. Motion Agreed - Senate (50 - 49)
4/29 PN 54-5 Nomination of David Perdue to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Nomination Confirmed - Senate (67 - 29)
4/29 PN 26-18 Nomination of Tilman Fertitta to be Ambassador to the Italian Republic and the Republic of San Marino Nomination Confirmed - Senate (83 - 14)
4/29 PN 26-3 Nomination of Thomas Barrack to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey Nomination Confirmed - Senate (60 - 36)
4/29 PN 26-3 Nomination of Thomas Barrack to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey Nomination Confirmed - Senate (60 - 36)
4/29 PN 24-5 Nomination of Warren Stephens to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 39)
4/29 PN 24-5 Nomination of Warren Stephens to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 39)
4/29 PN 54-5 Nomination of David Perdue to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Nomination Confirmed - Senate (67 - 29)
4/29 PN 26-18 Nomination of Tilman Fertitta to be Ambassador to the Italian Republic and the Republic of San Marino Cloture Invoked - Senate (84 - 13)
4/29 PN 26-3 Nomination of Thomas Barrack to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey Cloture Invoked - Senate (62 - 36)
4/29 PN 26-3 Nomination of Thomas Barrack to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey Cloture Invoked - Senate (62 - 36)
4/29 PN 24-5 Nomination of Warren Stephens to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 39)
4/29 PN 24-5 Nomination of Warren Stephens to be Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 39)
4/28 PN 54-5 Nomination of David Perdue to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Cloture Invoked - Senate (64 - 27)
4/28 PN 54-5 Nomination of David Perdue to be Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Cloture Invoked - Senate (64 - 27)
4/24 SB 1717 Amends the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" on State Maps and Documents Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
4/22 SB 124 Authorizes Limited Licensure of Certain Foreign Physicians Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
4/21 SB 25-276 Extends and Expands the State's Protections on Disclosing Personal Information Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
4/16 HB 1974 Prohibits State Entities from Employing Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
4/14 SF 369 Requires High School Students to Pass a Civics Test Identical to the U.S. Citizenship Test to Graduate Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
4/12 HB 818 Prohibits Most Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiative Organizations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
4/11 PN 27 Nomination of Lt. Gen. John D. Caine to be Major General in the Regular Air Force Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 26)
4/11 PN 28 Nomination of Lt. Gen. John D. Caine to be General and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Nomination Confirmed - Senate (60 - 25)
4/11 PN 27 Nomination of Lt. Gen. John D. Caine to be Major General in the Regular Air Force Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 26)
4/11 PN 28 Nomination of Lt. Gen. John D. Caine to be General and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Cloture Invoked - Senate (60 - 25)
4/11 PN 27 Nomination of Lt. Gen. John D. Caine to be Major General in the Regular Air Force Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 25)
4/11 PN 27 Nomination of Lt. Gen. John D. Caine to be Major General in the Regular Air Force Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 25)
4/10 PN 12-29 Nomination of Mark Meador to be a Federal Trade Commissioner Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 46)
4/10 HB 1600 Establishes an Immigration-Focused Law Clinic at the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/10 HB 1321 Prohibits Any Federal Armed Forces from Entering the State Without Governor Authority Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
4/10 PN 12-29 Nomination of Mark Meador to be a Federal Trade Commissioner Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
4/10 SB 36 Establishes a Texas Homeland Security Division Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
4/10 SB 2339 Prohibits Employers from Firing an Immigrant Worker if Their Records Don't Match the Federal E-Verify System Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 21)
4/10 SB 836 Authorizes Schools to Charge Undocumented Students Tuition Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
4/09 HB 2099 Requires All Government Employees at Any Level in Arizona Enforce and Cooperate with All immigration Orders Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
4/08 PN 12-9 Nomination of Elbridge Colby to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (54 - 45)
4/08 PN 25-14 Nomination of George Glass to be Ambassador of the United States of America to Japan Nomination Confirmed - Senate (66 - 32)
4/08 PN 25-14 Nomination of George Glass to be Ambassador of the United States of America to Japan Cloture Invoked - Senate (67 - 32)
4/08 PN 25-18 Nomination of Peter Hoekstra to be Ambassador to Canada Cloture Invoked - Senate (60 - 37)
4/08 PN 25-20 Nomination of Mike Huckabee to be Ambassador to the State of Israel Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 46)
4/08 PN 25-22 Nomination of Ronald Johnson to be Ambassador to the United Mexican States Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 44)
4/08 PN 25-6 Nomination of Kevin Cabrera to be Ambassador to the Republic of Panama Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 42)
4/08 S 5014 Prohibits the Importation, Transportation, and Possession of Certain African Wildlife Species and Products Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 8)
4/07 HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/07 PN 12-9 Nomination of Elbridge Colby to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 39)
4/03 HB 1745 Authorizes Fines for Semi-Truck Drivers Who Cannot Speak English Sufficiently Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
4/03 SB 220 Extends the Military Leave Act to Authorize Paid Leave for Funeral Honors Details Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 0)

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