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 300 - Amendment 1 Marriage Counseling Requirement Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 74)
Feb. 7, 2006 MS HB 300 - Amendment 1 Marriage Counseling Requirement Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 74)
Feb. 7, 2006 AZ HB 2074 Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal Bill Passed - House (33 - 24)
Feb. 7, 2006 MS HB 300 Revised Marriage License Requirements Bill Passed - House (66 - 55)
Feb. 7, 2006 SD HB 1217 Abstinence-Only Sex Education Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
Feb. 7, 2006 MS HB 300 Revised Marriage License Requirements Bill Passed - House (66 - 55)
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. 7, 2006 MS SB 2511 Parole Eligibility for First-Time Nonviolent Offenders Under Twenty-Five Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
Feb. 6, 2006 SD HB 1184 Medical Treatments that Violate Medical Workers Principles Bill Failed - House (34 - 35)
Feb. 6, 2006 ID HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
Feb. 6, 2006 ID HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
Feb. 6, 2006 VA Sub SB 313 DMV Reporting Requirements for Non-citizens Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 6, 2006 ID HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
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. 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 VA HB 1050 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
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 VA Sub HB 262 College Admission for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (67 - 33)
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 NH HB 345 Photo ID for Voting Bill Passed - House (211 - 149)
Feb. 1, 2006 IN HB 1028 Firearms and Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (82 - 18)
Feb. 1, 2006 CO HB 1056 Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill Bill Passed - House (36 - 28)
Jan. 31, 2006 WI SB 403 Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (64 - 34)
Jan. 31, 2006 SD SB 175 Emergency Contraceptives for Rape Victims Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 26)
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 VA SB 362 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
Jan. 31, 2006 VA SB 362 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
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 WA Sub HB 2661 Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Human Rights Commission Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
Jan. 27, 2006 UT 1SHB 85 Parental Consent for Minor’s Abortion Bill Bill Passed - House (65 - 8)
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. 26, 2006 WI SB 403 Concealed Weapons Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
Jan. 26, 2006 MS HB 1318 Hurricane Katrina Response and Recovery Oversight Act Bill Passed - House (79 - 42)
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. 25, 2006 VA SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
Jan. 25, 2006 GA SB 382 Child Support Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 17)
Jan. 25, 2006 VA SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
Jan. 24, 2006 AZ HB 2002 English Language Learners; Structured English Immersion Models; Budget Requests Bill Passed - House (33 - 23)
Jan. 24, 2006 IN SB 88 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
Jan. 24, 2006 AZ HB 2002 English Language Learners; Structured English Immersion Models; Budget Requests Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
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. 19, 2006 IN SB 111 Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
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. 11, 2006 MA H 1230 In State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Failed - House (57 - 96)
Jan. 9, 2006 NY A 2466 Assault Weapon Definition Amendments Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
Jan. 9, 2006 NJ S 2783 Age Restrictions for the Purchase of Tobacco Products Bill Passed - House (58 - 16)
Jan. 9, 2006 NY A 2466 Assault Weapon Definition Amendments Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
Jan. 9, 2006 NJ S 2083 Domestic Partner Surviving Rights Bill Passed - House (67 - 8)
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 2302 Childproof Firearms Sales Bill Passed - House (91 - 44)
Jan. 9, 2006 NJ S 2083 Domestic Partner Surviving Rights Bill Passed - House (67 - 8)
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. 19, 2005 National S 1932 Budget Reconciliation Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (212 - 206)
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 3010 Labor, HHS and Education FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (215 - 213)
Dec. 8, 2005 National HR 4297 Tax Relief Extension Reconciliation Act of 2005 Bill Passed - House (234 - 197)
Nov. 17, 2005 National HR 3010 Labor, HHS and Education FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Rejected - House (209 - 224)
Nov. 16, 2005 National HR 2862 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill, FY 2006 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (94 - 5)
Nov. 9, 2005 National HR 2862 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill, FY 2006 Conference Report Adopted - House (397 - 19)
Nov. 2, 2005 National HR 1606 Online Freedom of Speech Act Bill Failed - House (225 - 182)
Oct. 27, 2005 National HR 3010 Labor, HHS and Education FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 3)
Oct. 20, 2005 National S 397 Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill Bill Passed - House (283 - 144)
Sept. 29, 2005 National H Amdt 588 Endangered Species Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (206 - 216)
Sept. 29, 2005 National HR 3824 Endangered Species Reauthorization Bill Bill Passed - House (229 - 193)
July 29, 2005 National HR 2361 Interior Department FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (99 - 1)
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 2361 Interior Department FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (410 - 10)
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)
July 20, 2005 National HR 2601 State Department FY 2006/2007 Authorization Bill Bill Passed - House (351 - 78)
July 20, 2005 National HR 2601 State Department FY 2006/2007 Authorization Bill Bill Passed - House (351 - 78)
July 19, 2005 National H Amdt 464 Obstetric Fistula Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (223 - 205)
July 14, 2005 National S Amdt 1171 Detention Beds Increase Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (42 - 56)
June 29, 2005 National HR 2361 Interior Department FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 0)
June 23, 2005 National H Amdt 343 Restoring Funds for Public Broadcasting Amendment Adopted - House (284 - 140)
June 17, 2005 National HR 2745 United Nations Reform Act of 2005 Bill Passed - House (221 - 184)
June 17, 2005 National HR 2745 United Nations Reform Act of 2005 Bill Passed - House (221 - 184)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/07 HB 300 - Amendment 1 Marriage Counseling Requirement Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 74)
2/07 HB 300 - Amendment 1 Marriage Counseling Requirement Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 74)
2/07 HB 2074 Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal Bill Passed - House (33 - 24)
2/07 HB 300 Revised Marriage License Requirements Bill Passed - House (66 - 55)
2/07 HB 1217 Abstinence-Only Sex Education Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
2/07 HB 300 Revised Marriage License Requirements Bill Passed - House (66 - 55)
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)
2/07 SB 2511 Parole Eligibility for First-Time Nonviolent Offenders Under Twenty-Five Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
2/06 HB 1184 Medical Treatments that Violate Medical Workers Principles Bill Failed - House (34 - 35)
2/06 HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
2/06 HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
2/06 Sub SB 313 DMV Reporting Requirements for Non-citizens Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/06 HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
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)
2/03 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 1050 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
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 Sub HB 262 College Admission for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (67 - 33)
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 345 Photo ID for Voting Bill Passed - House (211 - 149)
2/01 HB 1028 Firearms and Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (82 - 18)
2/01 HB 1056 Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill Bill Passed - House (36 - 28)
1/31 SB 403 Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (64 - 34)
1/31 SB 175 Emergency Contraceptives for Rape Victims Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 26)
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 362 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
1/31 SB 362 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
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 Sub HB 2661 Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Human Rights Commission Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
1/27 1SHB 85 Parental Consent for Minor’s Abortion Bill Bill Passed - House (65 - 8)
1/27 HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 4)
1/27 HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 4)
1/26 SB 403 Concealed Weapons Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
1/26 HB 1318 Hurricane Katrina Response and Recovery Oversight Act Bill Passed - House (79 - 42)
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)
1/25 SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
1/25 SB 382 Child Support Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 17)
1/25 SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
1/24 HB 2002 English Language Learners; Structured English Immersion Models; Budget Requests Bill Passed - House (33 - 23)
1/24 SB 88 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
1/24 HB 2002 English Language Learners; Structured English Immersion Models; Budget Requests Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
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)
1/19 SB 111 Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
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)
1/11 H 1230 In State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Failed - House (57 - 96)
1/09 A 2466 Assault Weapon Definition Amendments Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
1/09 S 2783 Age Restrictions for the Purchase of Tobacco Products Bill Passed - House (58 - 16)
1/09 A 2466 Assault Weapon Definition Amendments Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
1/09 S 2083 Domestic Partner Surviving Rights Bill Passed - House (67 - 8)
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 2302 Childproof Firearms Sales Bill Passed - House (91 - 44)
1/09 S 2083 Domestic Partner Surviving Rights Bill Passed - House (67 - 8)
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)
12/19 S 1932 Budget Reconciliation Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (212 - 206)
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 3010 Labor, HHS and Education FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (215 - 213)
12/08 HR 4297 Tax Relief Extension Reconciliation Act of 2005 Bill Passed - House (234 - 197)
11/17 HR 3010 Labor, HHS and Education FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Rejected - House (209 - 224)
11/16 HR 2862 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill, FY 2006 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (94 - 5)
11/09 HR 2862 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill, FY 2006 Conference Report Adopted - House (397 - 19)
11/02 HR 1606 Online Freedom of Speech Act Bill Failed - House (225 - 182)
10/27 HR 3010 Labor, HHS and Education FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 3)
10/20 S 397 Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill Bill Passed - House (283 - 144)
9/29 H Amdt 588 Endangered Species Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (206 - 216)
9/29 HR 3824 Endangered Species Reauthorization Bill Bill Passed - House (229 - 193)
7/29 HR 2361 Interior Department FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (99 - 1)
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 2361 Interior Department FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (410 - 10)
7/21 HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Motion Rejected - House (209 - 218)
7/21 HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Bill Passed - House (257 - 171)
7/20 HR 2601 State Department FY 2006/2007 Authorization Bill Bill Passed - House (351 - 78)
7/20 HR 2601 State Department FY 2006/2007 Authorization Bill Bill Passed - House (351 - 78)
7/19 H Amdt 464 Obstetric Fistula Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (223 - 205)
7/14 S Amdt 1171 Detention Beds Increase Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (42 - 56)
6/29 HR 2361 Interior Department FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 0)
6/23 H Amdt 343 Restoring Funds for Public Broadcasting Amendment Adopted - House (284 - 140)
6/17 HR 2745 United Nations Reform Act of 2005 Bill Passed - House (221 - 184)
6/17 HR 2745 United Nations Reform Act of 2005 Bill Passed - House (221 - 184)

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