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
March 15, 2012 NY S 6735 Amends the Public Employee Retirement System Bill Passed - House (92 - 46)
March 14, 2012 NY S 6735 Amends the Public Employee Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
March 9, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 8)
March 9, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 37)
March 7, 2012 GA HB 861 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (114 - 59)
March 7, 2012 GA SB 312 Require Development Activities for Certain Public Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 14)
March 5, 2012 WY HB 82 Requires Drug Testing of Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
March 1, 2012 AZ HB 2519 Expands the Requirements for Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (39 - 17)
March 1, 2012 UT HB 155 Requires Drug Testing of Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (62 - 10)
Feb. 29, 2012 SD HB 1206 Repeals the South Dakota Sales Tax on Food Refund Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 6)
Feb. 28, 2012 WY SF 59 Limits Cost-of-Living Adjustments to State Employee Retirement Plans Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Feb. 27, 2012 SD HB 1206 Repeals the South Dakota Sales Tax on Food Refund Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
Feb. 27, 2012 WY HB 82 Requires Drug Testing of Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
Feb. 23, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
Feb. 21, 2012 MI HB 5033 Requires Asset Tests to Determine Eligibility for State Assistance Programs Bill Passed - House (67 - 39)
Feb. 17, 2012 National HR 3630 Extends Payroll Tax Cut Conference Report Adopted - House (293 - 132)
Feb. 17, 2012 National HR 3630 Extends Payroll Tax Cut Conference Report Adopted - Senate (60 - 36)
Feb. 9, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
Jan. 31, 2012 IN HB 1007 Requires Drug Testing for TANF Applicants Bill Passed - House (73 - 23)
Dec. 20, 2011 National HR 3630 Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Extension Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - House (229 - 193)
Dec. 17, 2011 National S Amdt 1465 Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Extension Amendment Adopted - Senate (89 - 10)
Dec. 13, 2011 MI HB 4701 Amends the State Employee Retirement System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Dec. 13, 2011 National HR 3630 Reduces Payroll Taxes and Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (234 - 193)
Dec. 8, 2011 MI HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 45)
Dec. 7, 2011 MI HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Dec. 1, 2011 MI SB 806 Reduces Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Nov. 3, 2011 MI HB 4701 Amends the State Employee Retirement System Bill Passed - House (63 - 45)
Oct. 12, 2011 NH SB 198 Amends Eligibility Requirements for TANF Bill Passed - House (237 - 126)
Sept. 15, 2011 MA S 2018 Massachusetts Pension System Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
Sept. 2, 2011 CA AB 6 Repeals Fingerprinting Requirement for CalFresh Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 26)
Aug. 31, 2011 CA AB 6 Repeals Fingerprinting Requirement for CalFresh Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
July 13, 2011 MI HB 4409 Amending the Social Welfare Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
July 13, 2011 MI HB 4410 Amending the Jet Program of the Social Welfare Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
June 30, 2011 PA HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (130 - 66)
June 30, 2011 PA HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
June 22, 2011 NH HB 2 Recertification of Employer Retirement Contribution Rates Conference Report Adopted - House (259 - 119)
June 22, 2011 NH HB 2 Recertification of Employer Retirement Contribution Rates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5)
June 16, 2011 TX HB 5 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - House (92 - 43)
June 9, 2011 AL HB 414 Increasing Retirement Contributions for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
June 9, 2011 TX SB 7 Health Care Bill Passed - House (89 - 41)
June 2, 2011 AL HB 414 Increasing Retirement Contributions for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - House (51 - 48)
May 28, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 53)
May 28, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
May 17, 2011 TX SB 420 Eligibility for Indigent Health Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4480 Tax Exemption and Pension Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4481 Public School Employees' Pension and Tax Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4483 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Public Library Employees Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4484 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Judges and State Officials Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
May 5, 2011 FL HB 353 Drug Screening for Temporary Assistance Beneficiaries Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
May 4, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 28, 2011 MI HB 4484 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Judges and State Officials Bill Passed - House (57 - 52)
April 28, 2011 MI HB 4483 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Public Library Employees Bill Passed - House (56 - 53)
April 28, 2011 MI HB 4480 Tax Exemption and Pension Bill Bill Passed - House (56 - 52)
April 28, 2011 MI HB 4481 Public School Employees' Pension and Tax Exemption Bill Passed - House (56 - 50)
April 27, 2011 IN HB 1210 Repealing Medicaid Funding for Planned Parenthood Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 32)
April 26, 2011 FL HB 353 Drug Screening for Temporary Assistance Beneficiaries Bill Passed - House (78 - 38)
April 20, 2011 IA SF 525 Revises the Iowa Mental Health System Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
April 19, 2011 IN HB 1210 Repealing Medicaid Funding for Planned Parenthood Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 13)
April 12, 2011 IL HB 161 Electronic Benefits Transfer Card Photograph Requirement Bill Passed - House (64 - 48)
April 12, 2011 AL HB 414 Increasing Retirement Contributions for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (54 - 41)
April 5, 2011 SC S 434 Prohibiting DHHS From Reducing Provider Rates Joint Resolution Passed - House (63 - 44)
April 3, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (98 - 49)
March 30, 2011 NH HB 580 Public Employee Retirement System Amendments Bill Passed - House (228 - 139)
March 28, 2011 ID H 260 Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
March 23, 2011 MI HB 4408 Employment Compensation Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 44)
March 23, 2011 MI HB 4408 Employment Compensation Fund Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
March 22, 2011 AL SB 72 Repealing the Deferred Retirement Option Plan Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 13)
March 22, 2011 AL SB 72 Repealing the Deferred Retirement Option Plan Conference Report Adopted - House (58 - 33)
March 17, 2011 ID H 260 Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - House (56 - 14)
March 2, 2011 ID H 109 Extends Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
March 1, 2011 SC S 434 Prohibiting DHHS From Reducing Provider Rates Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
Feb. 24, 2011 ID S 1108 Education Provisions and Teacher Entitlements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
Feb. 7, 2011 WY HB 244 Unemployment Insurance Amendments Bill Failed - House (25 - 34)
Feb. 7, 2011 SD HB 1152 Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - House (32 - 36)
Feb. 2, 2011 UT HB 211 Community Service Medicaid Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (56 - 15)
Jan. 31, 2011 IN HB 1450 Unemployment Insurance Amendments Bill Passed - House (61 - 38)
Jan. 28, 2011 WY HB 244 Unemployment Insurance Amendments
Jan. 24, 2011 WA HB 1086 2011-2012 Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
Dec. 8, 2010 National S 3985 Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 45)
Dec. 8, 2010 National HR 5987 Seniors Protection Act Bill Failed - House (254 - 153)
Nov. 18, 2010 National HR 6419 Extension of Certain Unemployment Benefits Bill Failed - House (258 - 154)
July 22, 2010 National HR 4213 Unemployment Benefits Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (272 - 152)
July 21, 2010 National HR 4213 Unemployment Benefits Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 39)
July 20, 2010 National HR 4213 Unemployment Benefits Extension Cloture Invoked - Senate (60 - 40)
July 1, 2010 National HR 5618 Unemployment Benefits Extension Bill Passed - House (270 - 153)
May 28, 2010 National HR 4213 Unemployment Benefits Extension and Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (215 - 204)
April 15, 2010 National HR 4851 Unemployment Benefits Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (289 - 112)
April 15, 2010 National HR 4851 Unemployment Benefits Extension Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 38)
March 10, 2010 National HR 4213 Extending Unemployment Benefits and Certain Tax Credits Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 36)
March 3, 2010 National S Amdt 3353 Payment to Social Security Recipients Motion Rejected - Senate (47 - 50)
Nov. 5, 2009 National HR 3548 Extending Federal Emergency Unemployment Benefits and Providing Business and Homebuyer Tax Credits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (403 - 12)
Oct. 27, 2009 National HR 3548 Extending Federal Emergency Unemployment Benefits Cloture Invoked - Senate (87 - 13)
Sept. 22, 2009 National HR 3548 Extending Federal Emergency Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (331 - 83)
Oct. 3, 2008 National HR 6867 Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Bill Passed - House (368 - 28)
July 26, 2008 National S 3186 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Funding Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 35)
July 15, 2008 National HR 6331 Medicare Bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (70 - 26)
July 15, 2008 National HR 6331 Medicare Bill Veto Override Passed - House (383 - 41)
July 9, 2008 National HR 6331 Medicare Bill Cloture Invoked - Senate (69 - 30)
June 24, 2008 National HR 6331 Medicare Bill Bill Passed - House (355 - 59)
June 18, 2008 National HR 6124 Second Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Veto Override Passed - Senate (80 - 14)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/15 S 6735 Amends the Public Employee Retirement System Bill Passed - House (92 - 46)
3/14 S 6735 Amends the Public Employee Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
3/09 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 8)
3/09 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 37)
3/07 HB 861 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (114 - 59)
3/07 SB 312 Require Development Activities for Certain Public Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 14)
3/05 HB 82 Requires Drug Testing of Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
3/01 HB 2519 Expands the Requirements for Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (39 - 17)
3/01 HB 155 Requires Drug Testing of Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (62 - 10)
2/29 HB 1206 Repeals the South Dakota Sales Tax on Food Refund Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 6)
2/28 SF 59 Limits Cost-of-Living Adjustments to State Employee Retirement Plans Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
2/27 HB 1206 Repeals the South Dakota Sales Tax on Food Refund Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
2/27 HB 82 Requires Drug Testing of Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
2/23 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
2/21 HB 5033 Requires Asset Tests to Determine Eligibility for State Assistance Programs Bill Passed - House (67 - 39)
2/17 HR 3630 Extends Payroll Tax Cut Conference Report Adopted - House (293 - 132)
2/17 HR 3630 Extends Payroll Tax Cut Conference Report Adopted - Senate (60 - 36)
2/09 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
1/31 HB 1007 Requires Drug Testing for TANF Applicants Bill Passed - House (73 - 23)
12/20 HR 3630 Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Extension Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - House (229 - 193)
12/17 S Amdt 1465 Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Extension Amendment Adopted - Senate (89 - 10)
12/13 HB 4701 Amends the State Employee Retirement System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
12/13 HR 3630 Reduces Payroll Taxes and Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (234 - 193)
12/08 HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 45)
12/07 HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
12/01 SB 806 Reduces Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
11/03 HB 4701 Amends the State Employee Retirement System Bill Passed - House (63 - 45)
10/12 SB 198 Amends Eligibility Requirements for TANF Bill Passed - House (237 - 126)
9/15 S 2018 Massachusetts Pension System Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
9/02 AB 6 Repeals Fingerprinting Requirement for CalFresh Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 26)
8/31 AB 6 Repeals Fingerprinting Requirement for CalFresh Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
7/13 HB 4409 Amending the Social Welfare Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
7/13 HB 4410 Amending the Jet Program of the Social Welfare Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
6/30 HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (130 - 66)
6/30 HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
6/22 HB 2 Recertification of Employer Retirement Contribution Rates Conference Report Adopted - House (259 - 119)
6/22 HB 2 Recertification of Employer Retirement Contribution Rates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5)
6/16 HB 5 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - House (92 - 43)
6/09 HB 414 Increasing Retirement Contributions for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
6/09 SB 7 Health Care Bill Passed - House (89 - 41)
6/02 HB 414 Increasing Retirement Contributions for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - House (51 - 48)
5/28 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 53)
5/28 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
5/17 SB 420 Eligibility for Indigent Health Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
5/12 HB 4480 Tax Exemption and Pension Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
5/12 HB 4481 Public School Employees' Pension and Tax Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
5/12 HB 4483 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Public Library Employees Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
5/12 HB 4484 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Judges and State Officials Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
5/05 HB 353 Drug Screening for Temporary Assistance Beneficiaries Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
5/04 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/28 HB 4484 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Judges and State Officials Bill Passed - House (57 - 52)
4/28 HB 4483 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Public Library Employees Bill Passed - House (56 - 53)
4/28 HB 4480 Tax Exemption and Pension Bill Bill Passed - House (56 - 52)
4/28 HB 4481 Public School Employees' Pension and Tax Exemption Bill Passed - House (56 - 50)
4/27 HB 1210 Repealing Medicaid Funding for Planned Parenthood Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 32)
4/26 HB 353 Drug Screening for Temporary Assistance Beneficiaries Bill Passed - House (78 - 38)
4/20 SF 525 Revises the Iowa Mental Health System Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
4/19 HB 1210 Repealing Medicaid Funding for Planned Parenthood Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 13)
4/12 HB 161 Electronic Benefits Transfer Card Photograph Requirement Bill Passed - House (64 - 48)
4/12 HB 414 Increasing Retirement Contributions for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (54 - 41)
4/05 S 434 Prohibiting DHHS From Reducing Provider Rates Joint Resolution Passed - House (63 - 44)
4/03 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (98 - 49)
3/30 HB 580 Public Employee Retirement System Amendments Bill Passed - House (228 - 139)
3/28 H 260 Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
3/23 HB 4408 Employment Compensation Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 44)
3/23 HB 4408 Employment Compensation Fund Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
3/22 SB 72 Repealing the Deferred Retirement Option Plan Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 13)
3/22 SB 72 Repealing the Deferred Retirement Option Plan Conference Report Adopted - House (58 - 33)
3/17 H 260 Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - House (56 - 14)
3/02 H 109 Extends Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
3/01 S 434 Prohibiting DHHS From Reducing Provider Rates Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
2/24 S 1108 Education Provisions and Teacher Entitlements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
2/07 HB 244 Unemployment Insurance Amendments Bill Failed - House (25 - 34)
2/07 HB 1152 Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - House (32 - 36)
2/02 HB 211 Community Service Medicaid Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (56 - 15)
1/31 HB 1450 Unemployment Insurance Amendments Bill Passed - House (61 - 38)
1/28 HB 244 Unemployment Insurance Amendments
1/24 HB 1086 2011-2012 Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
12/08 S 3985 Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 45)
12/08 HR 5987 Seniors Protection Act Bill Failed - House (254 - 153)
11/18 HR 6419 Extension of Certain Unemployment Benefits Bill Failed - House (258 - 154)
7/22 HR 4213 Unemployment Benefits Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (272 - 152)
7/21 HR 4213 Unemployment Benefits Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 39)
7/20 HR 4213 Unemployment Benefits Extension Cloture Invoked - Senate (60 - 40)
7/01 HR 5618 Unemployment Benefits Extension Bill Passed - House (270 - 153)
5/28 HR 4213 Unemployment Benefits Extension and Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (215 - 204)
4/15 HR 4851 Unemployment Benefits Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (289 - 112)
4/15 HR 4851 Unemployment Benefits Extension Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 38)
3/10 HR 4213 Extending Unemployment Benefits and Certain Tax Credits Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 36)
3/03 S Amdt 3353 Payment to Social Security Recipients Motion Rejected - Senate (47 - 50)
11/05 HR 3548 Extending Federal Emergency Unemployment Benefits and Providing Business and Homebuyer Tax Credits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (403 - 12)
10/27 HR 3548 Extending Federal Emergency Unemployment Benefits Cloture Invoked - Senate (87 - 13)
9/22 HR 3548 Extending Federal Emergency Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (331 - 83)
10/03 HR 6867 Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Bill Passed - House (368 - 28)
7/26 S 3186 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Funding Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 35)
7/15 HR 6331 Medicare Bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (70 - 26)
7/15 HR 6331 Medicare Bill Veto Override Passed - House (383 - 41)
7/09 HR 6331 Medicare Bill Cloture Invoked - Senate (69 - 30)
6/24 HR 6331 Medicare Bill Bill Passed - House (355 - 59)
6/18 HR 6124 Second Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Veto Override Passed - Senate (80 - 14)

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