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. 10, 2025 National PN 11-16 Nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 46)
Feb. 6, 2025 National PN 11-16 Nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence Motion Agreed - Senate (52 - 46)
Feb. 4, 2025 National PN 11-2 Nomination of Pamela Bondi to be Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (54 - 46)
Feb. 3, 2025 National PN 11-2 Nomination of Pamela Bondi to be Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 46)
Feb. 3, 2025 IN SB 430 Appropriates Grants to Law Enforcement Agencies that Seek Training with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Jan. 30, 2025 NH SB 13 Prohibits the State from Recognizing Licenses Issued to Undocumented Immigrants in Other States "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2025 NH SB 62 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officials to Enter into Agreements with ICE "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2025 NH SB 71 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies in the State "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
Jan. 29, 2025 TN SB 6002 Establishes Class E Felony Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Adopt Sanctuary City Policies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Jan. 28, 2025 National HR 23 Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
Jan. 28, 2025 National HR 23 Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
Jan. 25, 2025 National PN 11-11 Nomination of Kristi Noem to be Secretary of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 34)
Jan. 24, 2025 National PN 11-7 Nomination of Peter Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 50)
Jan. 24, 2025 National PN 11-11 Nomination of Kristi Noem to be Secretary of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 39)
Jan. 23, 2025 National PN 11-19 Nomination of John Ratcliffe to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Nomination Confirmed - Senate (74 - 25)
Jan. 23, 2025 National PN 11-19 Nomination of John Ratcliffe to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Cloture Invoked - Senate (72 - 26)
Jan. 23, 2025 National PN 11-7 Nomination of Peter Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 49)
Jan. 23, 2025 CA SB 2 Appropriates $25 Million for the State Department of Justice to Pay for Legal Battles Involving the Federal Government Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
Jan. 21, 2025 National PN 11-7 Nomination of Peter Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense Motion Agreed - Senate (53 - 47)
Jan. 21, 2025 National PN 11-19 Nomination of John Ratcliffe to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Motion Agreed - Senate (54 - 46)
Jan. 20, 2025 National S 5 Laken Riley Act Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 35)
Jan. 20, 2025 National PN 11-13 Nomination of Marco Rubio to be Secretary of State Nomination Confirmed - Senate (99 - 0)
Jan. 17, 2025 National S 5 Laken Riley Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 35)
Jan. 13, 2025 National S 5 Laken Riley Act Motion Agreed - Senate (82 - 10)
Jan. 8, 2025 National S 5 Laken Riley Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (84 - 9)
Oct. 24, 2024 NC SB 743 Appropriates Emergency Funding for the Disaster Recovery Act Part II Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 0)
Oct. 9, 2024 PA HB 2132 Establishes the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
Oct. 9, 2024 PA HB 2132 Establishes the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
July 11, 2024 MA H 4804 Authorizes Grant Programs to Strengthen Economic Leadership Within Various Sectors of Work Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
July 11, 2024 National S J Res 89 A joint resolution to direct the termination of the use of United States Armed Forces for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore pier on the coast of the Gaza Strip that has not been authorized by Congress. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (48 - 46)
July 11, 2024 National S J Res 89 A joint resolution to direct the termination of the use of United States Armed Forces for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore pier on the coast of the Gaza Strip that has not been authorized by Congress. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (48 - 46)
June 27, 2024 PA SB 1260 Prohibits Any Boycott, Divestment, or Sanction (BDS) Efforts Against Israel Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 7)
June 27, 2024 PA SB 1260 Prohibits Any Boycott, Divestment, or Sanction (BDS) Efforts Against Israel Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 7)
June 15, 2024 AZ HCR 2038 Defines "Drug Cartels" as Terrorist Organizations Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
June 13, 2024 NH HB 1292 Amends State Sanctuary City Policies Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
June 7, 2024 NY S 2852 Authorizes the Direct Intrastate and Interstate Shipment of Liquor, Cider, Mead, and Braggot Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 13)
May 31, 2024 OH HB 1 Prohibits Foreign Nationals from Contributing Money Directly or Indirectly to State Ballot Initiatives Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
May 23, 2024 National S 4361 Border Act of 2024 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (43 - 50)
May 22, 2024 CA SB 1128 Establishes Sex Offender Registration and Prohibits Sexual Intercourse with Minors Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
May 22, 2024 CA SB 1372 Prohibits Public Airports from Contracting with a Private Third Party to Provide Expedited Security Checkpoints Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
May 14, 2024 NY S 4555 Prohibits Intoxication of the Victim as a Defense in Sex Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 0)
May 8, 2024 CO SB 24-182 Amends the ID Requirement for the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
May 8, 2024 CO HB 24-1280 Establishes Grant Programs for Community-Based Organizations to Provide Appropriate Services for Migrants who Have Recently Arrived Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 2, 2024 NC HB 10 Requires Sheriffs to Cooperate with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 16)
May 2, 2024 NC HB 10 Requires Sheriffs to Cooperate with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 16)
April 30, 2024 KS SB 172 Establishes the Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 14)
April 30, 2024 KS SB 172 Establishes the Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 14)
April 29, 2024 KS SB 271 Prohibits State Agencies from Acquiring Drone Technology from Certain Countries of Concern Veto Override Failed - Senate (21 - 16)
April 29, 2024 CO SB 24-151 Requires the Division of Homeland Security Create Rules for the Removal of Telecommunications Infrastructure Manufactured by a Federally Banned Entity Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
April 23, 2024 National HR 815 Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes. Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (79 - 18)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/10 PN 11-16 Nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 46)
2/06 PN 11-16 Nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence Motion Agreed - Senate (52 - 46)
2/04 PN 11-2 Nomination of Pamela Bondi to be Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (54 - 46)
2/03 PN 11-2 Nomination of Pamela Bondi to be Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 46)
2/03 SB 430 Appropriates Grants to Law Enforcement Agencies that Seek Training with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
1/30 SB 13 Prohibits the State from Recognizing Licenses Issued to Undocumented Immigrants in Other States "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
1/30 SB 62 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officials to Enter into Agreements with ICE "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
1/30 SB 71 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies in the State "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
1/29 SB 6002 Establishes Class E Felony Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Adopt Sanctuary City Policies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
1/28 HR 23 Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
1/28 HR 23 Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
1/25 PN 11-11 Nomination of Kristi Noem to be Secretary of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 34)
1/24 PN 11-7 Nomination of Peter Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 50)
1/24 PN 11-11 Nomination of Kristi Noem to be Secretary of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 39)
1/23 PN 11-19 Nomination of John Ratcliffe to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Nomination Confirmed - Senate (74 - 25)
1/23 PN 11-19 Nomination of John Ratcliffe to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Cloture Invoked - Senate (72 - 26)
1/23 PN 11-7 Nomination of Peter Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 49)
1/23 SB 2 Appropriates $25 Million for the State Department of Justice to Pay for Legal Battles Involving the Federal Government Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
1/21 PN 11-7 Nomination of Peter Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense Motion Agreed - Senate (53 - 47)
1/21 PN 11-19 Nomination of John Ratcliffe to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Motion Agreed - Senate (54 - 46)
1/20 S 5 Laken Riley Act Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 35)
1/20 PN 11-13 Nomination of Marco Rubio to be Secretary of State Nomination Confirmed - Senate (99 - 0)
1/17 S 5 Laken Riley Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 35)
1/13 S 5 Laken Riley Act Motion Agreed - Senate (82 - 10)
1/08 S 5 Laken Riley Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (84 - 9)
10/24 SB 743 Appropriates Emergency Funding for the Disaster Recovery Act Part II Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 0)
10/09 HB 2132 Establishes the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
10/09 HB 2132 Establishes the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
7/11 H 4804 Authorizes Grant Programs to Strengthen Economic Leadership Within Various Sectors of Work Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
7/11 S J Res 89 A joint resolution to direct the termination of the use of United States Armed Forces for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore pier on the coast of the Gaza Strip that has not been authorized by Congress. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (48 - 46)
7/11 S J Res 89 A joint resolution to direct the termination of the use of United States Armed Forces for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore pier on the coast of the Gaza Strip that has not been authorized by Congress. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (48 - 46)
6/27 SB 1260 Prohibits Any Boycott, Divestment, or Sanction (BDS) Efforts Against Israel Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 7)
6/27 SB 1260 Prohibits Any Boycott, Divestment, or Sanction (BDS) Efforts Against Israel Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 7)
6/15 HCR 2038 Defines "Drug Cartels" as Terrorist Organizations Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
6/13 HB 1292 Amends State Sanctuary City Policies Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
6/07 S 2852 Authorizes the Direct Intrastate and Interstate Shipment of Liquor, Cider, Mead, and Braggot Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 13)
5/31 HB 1 Prohibits Foreign Nationals from Contributing Money Directly or Indirectly to State Ballot Initiatives Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
5/23 S 4361 Border Act of 2024 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (43 - 50)
5/22 SB 1128 Establishes Sex Offender Registration and Prohibits Sexual Intercourse with Minors Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
5/22 SB 1372 Prohibits Public Airports from Contracting with a Private Third Party to Provide Expedited Security Checkpoints Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
5/14 S 4555 Prohibits Intoxication of the Victim as a Defense in Sex Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 0)
5/08 SB 24-182 Amends the ID Requirement for the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
5/08 HB 24-1280 Establishes Grant Programs for Community-Based Organizations to Provide Appropriate Services for Migrants who Have Recently Arrived Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/02 HB 10 Requires Sheriffs to Cooperate with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 16)
5/02 HB 10 Requires Sheriffs to Cooperate with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 16)
4/30 SB 172 Establishes the Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 14)
4/30 SB 172 Establishes the Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 14)
4/29 SB 271 Prohibits State Agencies from Acquiring Drone Technology from Certain Countries of Concern Veto Override Failed - Senate (21 - 16)
4/29 SB 24-151 Requires the Division of Homeland Security Create Rules for the Removal of Telecommunications Infrastructure Manufactured by a Federally Banned Entity Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
4/23 HR 815 Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes. Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (79 - 18)

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