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
July 23, 2025 National PN 24-3 Nomination of John Hurley to be Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 47)
July 23, 2025 National PN 25-53 Nomination of Aaron Szabo to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Cloture Invoked - Senate (48 - 47)
July 23, 2025 National PN 22-15 Nomination of Matthew Lohmmeier to be Under Secretary of the Air Force Cloture Invoked - Senate (49 - 47)
July 22, 2025 National PN 26-27 Nomination of Aaron Lukas to be Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 46)
July 22, 2025 National PN 26-11 Nomination of Terrance Cole to be Administrator of Drug Enforcement Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 47)
July 21, 2025 National PN 26-11 Nomination of Terrance Cole to be Administrator of Drug Enforcement Cloture Invoked - Senate (44 - 43)
July 17, 2025 CA SB 119 Appropriates Funding for the Public Social Services Trailer Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
July 17, 2025 CA AB 138 Authorizes Agreements Entered Into by the State and Certain State Employee Bargaining Units Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
July 17, 2025 CA AB 104 Requires Changes to the Budget by Adding, Removing, or Updating Funding for Certain Programs. Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 3)
July 17, 2025 CA AB 17 Requires County Election Offices to Post Up-to-date Precinct Maps Online Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
July 17, 2025 National PN 26-27 Nomination of Aaron Lukas to be Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Cloture Invoked - Senate (49 - 40)
July 17, 2025 National PN 22-25 Nomination of Arielle Roth to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Cloture Invoked - Senate (50 - 34)
July 17, 2025 National PN 24-3 Nomination of John Hurley to be Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes Cloture Invoked - Senate (46 - 36)
July 15, 2025 National PN 22-26 Nomination of Anthony Tata to be Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 46)
July 15, 2025 National PN 26-15 Nomination of Joseph Edlow to be Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 47)
July 15, 2025 National PN 25-39 Nomination of Luke Pettit to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Nomination Confirmed - Senate (69 - 30)
July 15, 2025 National PN 26-15 Nomination of Joseph Edlow to be Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (50 - 46)
July 15, 2025 National PN 22-26 Nomination of Anthony Tata to be Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 47)
July 14, 2025 National PN 25-39 Nomination of Luke Pettit to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Cloture Invoked - Senate (60 - 28)
July 10, 2025 National PN 25-15 Nomination of Jonathan Gould to be Comptroller of the Currency Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 45)
July 10, 2025 National PN 25-15 Nomination of Jonathan Gould to be Comptroller of the Currency Cloture Invoked - Senate (50 - 45)
July 9, 2025 National PN 13-3 Nomination of William Briggs to be Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration Nomination Confirmed - Senate (49 - 45)
July 9, 2025 National PN 55-6 Nomination of Bryan Bedford to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 43)
July 9, 2025 National PN 12-20 Nomination of Preston Griffith to be Under Secretary of Energy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (54 - 43)
July 9, 2025 National PN 12-24 Nomination of Scott Kupor to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management Nomination Confirmed - Senate (49 - 46)
July 9, 2025 National PN 12-24 Nomination of Scott Kupor to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
July 9, 2025 National PN 13-3 Nomination of William Briggs to be Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 44)
July 8, 2025 National PN 12-20 Nomination of Preston Griffith to be Under Secretary of Energy Cloture Invoked - Senate (47 - 41)
July 8, 2025 National PN 55-6 Nomination of Bryan Bedford to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration Cloture Invoked - Senate (47 - 42)
July 3, 2025 CA AB 377 Amends the High-Speed Rail Authority's Business plan to focus on the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
July 2, 2025 WI SB 45 Appropriates Funds for Public Education, Infrastructure, Property Tax Relief, and State Government Services for 2026-27 Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
July 1, 2025 National HR 1 One Big Beautiful Bill Act Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 50)
June 30, 2025 PA HB 640 Amends and Updates Annual Reporting Requirements for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (46 - 4)
June 30, 2025 CA SB 140 Amends State Employee Collective Bargaining Agreements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
June 30, 2025 NJ S 862 Requires the Department of Transportation to Include Information about Potholes and Pothole Repair Projects in its Annual Roadway Pavement System Report Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 30, 2025 MA H 4240 Appropriates Funding for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 State Budget Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
June 30, 2025 NJ A 4712 Establishes the Office of Veteran Advocate and Ombudsman for DMVA and Appropriates Funds Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 30, 2025 NJ A 5857 Authorizes State Treasurer to Sell as Surplus Property Certain Land and Improvements in City of Trenton and Township of Lawrence in Mercer County Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 30, 2025 DE HB 91 Appropriates $3.2 million for All Public Schools to Offer Free Breakfast, Regardless of a Student's Income Level Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
June 30, 2025 DE HB 35 Prohibits the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
June 30, 2025 DE HB 182 Prohibits Law-Enforcement Agencies from Entering into Agreements with Federal Immigration Authorities to Enforce Immigration Violations or Share Related Data Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 3)
June 30, 2025 NJ A 5688 Establishes a New Hotel Tax to Fund Municipal Fire Departments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
June 30, 2025 NJ S 3910 Establishes The New Jersey Universal Preschool and Kindergarten Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
June 28, 2025 National HR 1 One Big Beautiful Bill Act Motion Agreed - Senate (51 - 49)
June 27, 2025 CA SB 120 Appropriates Funds for Early Childhood Education and Childcare Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 27, 2025 CA SB 124 Establishes Regulations Relating to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Public Resources Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 2)
June 27, 2025 CA SB 124 Establishes Regulations Relating to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Public Resources Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 2)
June 27, 2025 CA SB 132 Amends Certain State Tax Codes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
June 27, 2025 CA SB 103 Amends the 2022-2024 State Budgets Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 3)
June 27, 2025 CA AB 143 Appropriates Funding for the State Developmental Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
June 27, 2025 CA AB 118 Appropriates Funding for the Fiscal Year 2025 Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 3)
June 27, 2025 CA AB 134 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Safety Budget Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
June 27, 2025 CA AB 137 Amends Various California State Laws Relating to Consumer Protections and Privacy Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
June 26, 2025 National PN 13-7 Nomination of Kenneth Kies to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 45)
June 26, 2025 NH HB 1 Appropriates $15.9 Billion For Certain Departments Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 8)
June 26, 2025 DE HB 225 Appropriates Funding for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year State Operating Budget Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
June 25, 2025 OH HB 96 Appropriates Funding for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 State Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 10)
June 25, 2025 ME LD 1217 Amends the Maine New Markets Capital Investment Program and Establishes a New Tax Credit Authority Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (12 - 21)
June 25, 2025 NC HB 171 Prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs in Local and State Government Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
June 25, 2025 National PN 13-7 Nomination of Kenneth Kies to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 44)
June 25, 2025 MI SB 225 Prohibits the Carry of a Concealed Pistol on the Premises of the State Capitol and Legislative Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
June 24, 2025 National PN 26-50 Nomination of Daniel Zimmerman to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (61 - 35)
June 23, 2025 National PN 26-50 Nomination of Daniel Zimmerman to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Cloture Invoked - Senate (58 - 33)
June 19, 2025 NC HB 549 Specifies that the State Auditor has Access to State Agencies' Databases, Digital Records, Facilities, and Property Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
June 18, 2025 ME LD 1971 Limits How Local Law Enforcement Agencies Assist Federal Immigration Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
June 18, 2025 ME LD 210 Appropriates Funding for the Future Budget $320 Million State Spending Plan "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
June 18, 2025 National PN 24-7 Nomination of Olivia Trusty to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission (Reappointment) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 45)
June 18, 2025 National PN 12-40 Nomination of Rodney Scott to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 46)
June 18, 2025 WI AB 140 Exempts Tax Incremental District Number 5 in the City of Port Washington From Limits on Taxable Property Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 3)
June 18, 2025 MA H 4227 Appropriates Funds for Transportation and Education for Fiscal Year 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
June 18, 2025 National PN 12-40 Nomination of Rodney Scott to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (50 - 46)
June 18, 2025 OR SB 1051 Authorizes the Governor to Appoint a State Forester With Senate Confirmation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
June 18, 2025 OR SB 1051 Authorizes the Governor to Appoint a State Forester With Senate Confirmation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
June 18, 2025 OH SB 4 Establishes an Election Integrity Unit in the Secretary of State's Office to Investigate Election Law Violations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
June 18, 2025 OH SB 4 Establishes an Election Integrity Unit in the Secretary of State's Office to Investigate Election Law Violations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
Date No. Title Outcome
7/23 PN 24-3 Nomination of John Hurley to be Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 47)
7/23 PN 25-53 Nomination of Aaron Szabo to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Cloture Invoked - Senate (48 - 47)
7/23 PN 22-15 Nomination of Matthew Lohmmeier to be Under Secretary of the Air Force Cloture Invoked - Senate (49 - 47)
7/22 PN 26-27 Nomination of Aaron Lukas to be Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 46)
7/22 PN 26-11 Nomination of Terrance Cole to be Administrator of Drug Enforcement Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 47)
7/21 PN 26-11 Nomination of Terrance Cole to be Administrator of Drug Enforcement Cloture Invoked - Senate (44 - 43)
7/17 SB 119 Appropriates Funding for the Public Social Services Trailer Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
7/17 AB 138 Authorizes Agreements Entered Into by the State and Certain State Employee Bargaining Units Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
7/17 AB 104 Requires Changes to the Budget by Adding, Removing, or Updating Funding for Certain Programs. Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 3)
7/17 AB 17 Requires County Election Offices to Post Up-to-date Precinct Maps Online Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
7/17 PN 26-27 Nomination of Aaron Lukas to be Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Cloture Invoked - Senate (49 - 40)
7/17 PN 22-25 Nomination of Arielle Roth to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Cloture Invoked - Senate (50 - 34)
7/17 PN 24-3 Nomination of John Hurley to be Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes Cloture Invoked - Senate (46 - 36)
7/15 PN 22-26 Nomination of Anthony Tata to be Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 46)
7/15 PN 26-15 Nomination of Joseph Edlow to be Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 47)
7/15 PN 25-39 Nomination of Luke Pettit to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Nomination Confirmed - Senate (69 - 30)
7/15 PN 26-15 Nomination of Joseph Edlow to be Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (50 - 46)
7/15 PN 22-26 Nomination of Anthony Tata to be Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 47)
7/14 PN 25-39 Nomination of Luke Pettit to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Cloture Invoked - Senate (60 - 28)
7/10 PN 25-15 Nomination of Jonathan Gould to be Comptroller of the Currency Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 45)
7/10 PN 25-15 Nomination of Jonathan Gould to be Comptroller of the Currency Cloture Invoked - Senate (50 - 45)
7/09 PN 13-3 Nomination of William Briggs to be Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration Nomination Confirmed - Senate (49 - 45)
7/09 PN 55-6 Nomination of Bryan Bedford to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 43)
7/09 PN 12-20 Nomination of Preston Griffith to be Under Secretary of Energy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (54 - 43)
7/09 PN 12-24 Nomination of Scott Kupor to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management Nomination Confirmed - Senate (49 - 46)
7/09 PN 12-24 Nomination of Scott Kupor to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
7/09 PN 13-3 Nomination of William Briggs to be Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 44)
7/08 PN 12-20 Nomination of Preston Griffith to be Under Secretary of Energy Cloture Invoked - Senate (47 - 41)
7/08 PN 55-6 Nomination of Bryan Bedford to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration Cloture Invoked - Senate (47 - 42)
7/03 AB 377 Amends the High-Speed Rail Authority's Business plan to focus on the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
7/02 SB 45 Appropriates Funds for Public Education, Infrastructure, Property Tax Relief, and State Government Services for 2026-27 Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
7/01 HR 1 One Big Beautiful Bill Act Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 50)
6/30 HB 640 Amends and Updates Annual Reporting Requirements for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (46 - 4)
6/30 SB 140 Amends State Employee Collective Bargaining Agreements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
6/30 S 862 Requires the Department of Transportation to Include Information about Potholes and Pothole Repair Projects in its Annual Roadway Pavement System Report Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/30 H 4240 Appropriates Funding for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 State Budget Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
6/30 A 4712 Establishes the Office of Veteran Advocate and Ombudsman for DMVA and Appropriates Funds Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/30 A 5857 Authorizes State Treasurer to Sell as Surplus Property Certain Land and Improvements in City of Trenton and Township of Lawrence in Mercer County Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/30 HB 91 Appropriates $3.2 million for All Public Schools to Offer Free Breakfast, Regardless of a Student's Income Level Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
6/30 HB 35 Prohibits the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
6/30 HB 182 Prohibits Law-Enforcement Agencies from Entering into Agreements with Federal Immigration Authorities to Enforce Immigration Violations or Share Related Data Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 3)
6/30 A 5688 Establishes a New Hotel Tax to Fund Municipal Fire Departments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
6/30 S 3910 Establishes The New Jersey Universal Preschool and Kindergarten Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
6/28 HR 1 One Big Beautiful Bill Act Motion Agreed - Senate (51 - 49)
6/27 SB 120 Appropriates Funds for Early Childhood Education and Childcare Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/27 SB 124 Establishes Regulations Relating to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Public Resources Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 2)
6/27 SB 124 Establishes Regulations Relating to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Public Resources Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 2)
6/27 SB 132 Amends Certain State Tax Codes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
6/27 SB 103 Amends the 2022-2024 State Budgets Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 3)
6/27 AB 143 Appropriates Funding for the State Developmental Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
6/27 AB 118 Appropriates Funding for the Fiscal Year 2025 Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 3)
6/27 AB 134 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Safety Budget Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
6/27 AB 137 Amends Various California State Laws Relating to Consumer Protections and Privacy Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
6/26 PN 13-7 Nomination of Kenneth Kies to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 45)
6/26 HB 1 Appropriates $15.9 Billion For Certain Departments Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 8)
6/26 HB 225 Appropriates Funding for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year State Operating Budget Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
6/25 HB 96 Appropriates Funding for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 State Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 10)
6/25 LD 1217 Amends the Maine New Markets Capital Investment Program and Establishes a New Tax Credit Authority Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (12 - 21)
6/25 HB 171 Prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs in Local and State Government Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
6/25 PN 13-7 Nomination of Kenneth Kies to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 44)
6/25 SB 225 Prohibits the Carry of a Concealed Pistol on the Premises of the State Capitol and Legislative Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
6/24 PN 26-50 Nomination of Daniel Zimmerman to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (61 - 35)
6/23 PN 26-50 Nomination of Daniel Zimmerman to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Cloture Invoked - Senate (58 - 33)
6/19 HB 549 Specifies that the State Auditor has Access to State Agencies' Databases, Digital Records, Facilities, and Property Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
6/18 LD 1971 Limits How Local Law Enforcement Agencies Assist Federal Immigration Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
6/18 LD 210 Appropriates Funding for the Future Budget $320 Million State Spending Plan "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
6/18 PN 24-7 Nomination of Olivia Trusty to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission (Reappointment) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 45)
6/18 PN 12-40 Nomination of Rodney Scott to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 46)
6/18 AB 140 Exempts Tax Incremental District Number 5 in the City of Port Washington From Limits on Taxable Property Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 3)
6/18 H 4227 Appropriates Funds for Transportation and Education for Fiscal Year 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
6/18 PN 12-40 Nomination of Rodney Scott to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (50 - 46)
6/18 SB 1051 Authorizes the Governor to Appoint a State Forester With Senate Confirmation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
6/18 SB 1051 Authorizes the Governor to Appoint a State Forester With Senate Confirmation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
6/18 SB 4 Establishes an Election Integrity Unit in the Secretary of State's Office to Investigate Election Law Violations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
6/18 SB 4 Establishes an Election Integrity Unit in the Secretary of State's Office to Investigate Election Law Violations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)

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