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. 13, 2006 VA SB 648 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 13, 2006 CO HB 1175 Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act Bill Passed - House (41 - 24)
Feb. 10, 2006 SD HB 1235 Compulsory High School Education Age to 18 Bill Passed - House (51 - 14)
Feb. 10, 2006 WA Sub HB 2738 Minimum Renewable Fuel Content Requirements Bill Passed - House (70 - 28)
Feb. 10, 2006 WA Sub SB 6475 Certificate of Academic Achievement Alternative Methods Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 10)
Feb. 10, 2006 WA Sub HB 2738 Minimum Renewable Fuel Content Requirements Bill Passed - House (70 - 28)
Feb. 9, 2006 MS HB 1115 Tobacco Settlement Payments Bill Passed - House (71 - 47)
Feb. 9, 2006 SD HB 1194 Contraceptive Distribution at Public Schools Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
Feb. 9, 2006 SD HB 1194 Contraceptive Distribution at Public Schools Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
Feb. 9, 2006 SD HB 1234 Mandatory Kindergarten Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
Feb. 9, 2006 WA 3rd Sub HB 1484 Taxation for School Funding Bill Passed - House (50 - 48)
Feb. 9, 2006 SD HB 1215 Abortion Ban Bill Passed - House (47 - 22)
Feb. 8, 2006 ME LD 1798 Standardized Testing "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 16)
Feb. 8, 2006 CO Amendment Transportation Funding Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (29 - 36)
Feb. 8, 2006 ID S 1276 Thermal Generation Power Plant Notification Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 8, 2006 ID S 1276 Thermal Generation Power Plant Notification Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 8, 2006 AK SB 85 Off-Road Vehicle Use Near Dalton Highway Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
Feb. 8, 2006 VA SB 648 Smoking Ban Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 20)
Feb. 8, 2006 KY HB 163 State Request for Federal Drug Importation Bill Passed - House (58 - 35)
Feb. 8, 2006 WA 2nd Sub HB 2572 Health Insurance for Small Businesses Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
Feb. 7, 2006 SD H Amdt 1194rf Penalties for School Employees for Dispensing Contraceptives Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (37 - 33)
Feb. 7, 2006 SD H Amdt 1194rf Penalties for School Employees for Dispensing Contraceptives Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (37 - 33)
Feb. 7, 2006 KS Amend HB 2593 Health Insurance Abortion Restrictions Amendment Adopted - House (72 - 50)
Feb. 7, 2006 SD HB 1217 Abstinence-Only Sex Education Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
Feb. 7, 2006 SD HB 1217 Abstinence-Only Sex Education Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
Feb. 6, 2006 SD HB 1184 Medical Treatments that Violate Medical Workers Principles Bill Failed - House (34 - 35)
Feb. 6, 2006 MS SB 2119 School Board Elections, Superintendent Appointments, and Consolidation Issues Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 20)
Feb. 2, 2006 National S Amdt 2737 Military Funding and Tax Cuts Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 53)
Feb. 2, 2006 National S Amdt 2730 Medicare Part D Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (52 - 45)
Feb. 2, 2006 National HR 4297 Tax Relief Extension Reconciliation Act of 2005 Bill Passed - Senate (66 - 31)
Feb. 2, 2006 IN HB 1006 Allocation of School Resources for Homeless Students Bill Passed - House (56 - 40)
Feb. 2, 2006 IN HB 1240 Statewide Testing Review and ISTEP Bill Passed - House (52 - 47)
Feb. 2, 2006 MS SB 2604 Mississippi Adequate Education Program Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
Feb. 2, 2006 VA Sub HB 262 College Admission for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (67 - 33)
Feb. 2, 2006 VA HB 1050 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
Feb. 2, 2006 IN HB 1006 Allocation of School Resources for Homeless Students Bill Passed - House (56 - 40)
Feb. 1, 2006 CO HB 1056 Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill Bill Passed - House (36 - 28)
Feb. 1, 2006 CO HB 1056 Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill Bill Passed - House (36 - 28)
Feb. 1, 2006 MS SB 2602 Mississippi Education Reform Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
Jan. 31, 2006 IN SB 145 Vehicle Seizure and Driving While Intoxicated Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
Jan. 31, 2006 GA SB 390 Classroom First for Georgia Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
Jan. 31, 2006 SD SB 175 Emergency Contraceptives for Rape Victims Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 26)
Jan. 31, 2006 IN SB 145 Vehicle Seizure and Driving While Intoxicated Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
Jan. 31, 2006 NM SB 258 Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
Jan. 30, 2006 IN SB 354 Forestry Classifications Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
Jan. 30, 2006 IN SB 354 Forestry Classifications Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
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. 26, 2006 CA AB 802 Local Governments Assessment of Flood Risks Bill Passed - House (41 - 34)
Jan. 26, 2006 RI H 6700 Sub A Driver Refusal of Chemical Tests Bill Passed - House (64 - 6)
Jan. 25, 2006 WV HB 4021 SUB Health Care Changes Bill Passed - House (80 - 14)
Jan. 25, 2006 MS HB 123 Smoking Ban in Government Buildings Bill Passed - House (83 - 37)
Jan. 24, 2006 AZ HB 2002 English Language Learners; Structured English Immersion Models; Budget Requests Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Jan. 24, 2006 AZ HB 2002 English Language Learners; Structured English Immersion Models; Budget Requests Bill Passed - House (33 - 23)
Jan. 24, 2006 SD SB 27 State Fair Appropriation Bill Passed - House (61 - 7)
Jan. 24, 2006 IN SB 60 Public School Transfer Program Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
Jan. 24, 2006 IN SB 88 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
Jan. 23, 2006 UT SB 96 Origin of Species Curriculum Requirement Bill Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Jan. 23, 2006 WA 2nd Sub HB 2292 Addressing Health Care Liability Reform Bill Passed - House (54 - 43)
Jan. 20, 2006 UT SB 19 Additions to Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Jan. 19, 2006 WI AB 766 Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Caps Veto Override Failed - House (63 - 36)
Jan. 19, 2006 IN SB 111 Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
Jan. 19, 2006 MA H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Passed - House (76 - 74)
Jan. 19, 2006 IN SB 111 Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
Jan. 17, 2006 SC H 3702 School Transportation Bill Passed - House (58 - 47)
Jan. 17, 2006 SC H 3702 School Transportation Bill Passed - House (58 - 47)
Jan. 17, 2006 SD SB 27 State Fair Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
Jan. 12, 2006 MD SB 790 Health Care for Large Companies Veto Override Passed - House (88 - 50)
Jan. 12, 2006 MD SB 790 Health Care for Large Companies Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
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. 11, 2006 MS SB 2310 Food and Tobacco Taxes Bill Passed - House (90 - 30)
Jan. 9, 2006 NJ S 2783 Age Restrictions for the Purchase of Tobacco Products Bill Passed - House (58 - 16)
Jan. 6, 2006 MS SB 2310 Food and Tobacco Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 15)
Jan. 3, 2006 RI H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - House (59 - 13)
Jan. 3, 2006 RI H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
Dec. 21, 2005 National HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 44)
Dec. 21, 2005 National HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (93 - 0)
Dec. 21, 2005 National S Con Res 74 Removal of ANWR Provision from HR 2863 Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (48 - 45)
Dec. 19, 2005 National HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (308 - 106)
Dec. 19, 2005 National S 1932 Budget Reconciliation Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (212 - 206)
Dec. 19, 2005 National HR 1815 Defense Department FY2006 Authorization Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 41)
Dec. 19, 2005 National S 1932 Budget Reconciliation Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (212 - 206)
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 S Amdt 2601 Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (51 - 47)
Nov. 17, 2005 National HR 3010 Labor, HHS and Education FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Rejected - House (209 - 224)
Nov. 15, 2005 National S Amdt 2518 Iraq Progress Reports Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (79 - 19)
Nov. 15, 2005 National S Amdt 2519 Reporting Matters in Iraq Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 58)
Nov. 15, 2005 National S Amdt 2524 Guantanamo Bay Detainees Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (84 - 14)
Nov. 15, 2005 National S Amdt 2523 Judicial Review of Detainees Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 54)
Nov. 15, 2005 National S 1042 Defense Department FY2006 Authorization Bill Bill Passed - Senate (98 - 0)
Nov. 10, 2005 National S Amdt 2476 Investigating Contracts in Iraq Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 53)
Nov. 10, 2005 National S Amdt 2516 Detainees at Guantanamo Bay Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (49 - 42)
Nov. 9, 2005 National HR 2419 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill FY 2006 Conference Report Adopted - House (339 - 17)
Nov. 8, 2005 National S Amdt 2430 National Commission on Detainees Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 55)
Nov. 3, 2005 National S Amdt 2409 Targeted Case Management Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 52)
Nov. 3, 2005 National S Amdt 2348 Medicaid Generic Drug Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (49 - 50)
Nov. 3, 2005 National S Amdt 2365 Medical Assistance and Prescription Drug Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (54 - 45)
Nov. 3, 2005 National S Amdt 2357 Medicare Premiums Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (49 - 50)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/13 SB 648 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/13 HB 1175 Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act Bill Passed - House (41 - 24)
2/10 HB 1235 Compulsory High School Education Age to 18 Bill Passed - House (51 - 14)
2/10 Sub HB 2738 Minimum Renewable Fuel Content Requirements Bill Passed - House (70 - 28)
2/10 Sub SB 6475 Certificate of Academic Achievement Alternative Methods Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 10)
2/10 Sub HB 2738 Minimum Renewable Fuel Content Requirements Bill Passed - House (70 - 28)
2/09 HB 1115 Tobacco Settlement Payments Bill Passed - House (71 - 47)
2/09 HB 1194 Contraceptive Distribution at Public Schools Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
2/09 HB 1194 Contraceptive Distribution at Public Schools Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
2/09 HB 1234 Mandatory Kindergarten Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
2/09 3rd Sub HB 1484 Taxation for School Funding Bill Passed - House (50 - 48)
2/09 HB 1215 Abortion Ban Bill Passed - House (47 - 22)
2/08 LD 1798 Standardized Testing "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 16)
2/08 Amendment Transportation Funding Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (29 - 36)
2/08 S 1276 Thermal Generation Power Plant Notification Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/08 S 1276 Thermal Generation Power Plant Notification Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/08 SB 85 Off-Road Vehicle Use Near Dalton Highway Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
2/08 SB 648 Smoking Ban Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 20)
2/08 HB 163 State Request for Federal Drug Importation Bill Passed - House (58 - 35)
2/08 2nd Sub HB 2572 Health Insurance for Small Businesses Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
2/07 H Amdt 1194rf Penalties for School Employees for Dispensing Contraceptives Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (37 - 33)
2/07 H Amdt 1194rf Penalties for School Employees for Dispensing Contraceptives Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (37 - 33)
2/07 Amend HB 2593 Health Insurance Abortion Restrictions Amendment Adopted - House (72 - 50)
2/07 HB 1217 Abstinence-Only Sex Education Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
2/07 HB 1217 Abstinence-Only Sex Education Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
2/06 HB 1184 Medical Treatments that Violate Medical Workers Principles Bill Failed - House (34 - 35)
2/06 SB 2119 School Board Elections, Superintendent Appointments, and Consolidation Issues Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 20)
2/02 S Amdt 2737 Military Funding and Tax Cuts Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 53)
2/02 S Amdt 2730 Medicare Part D Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (52 - 45)
2/02 HR 4297 Tax Relief Extension Reconciliation Act of 2005 Bill Passed - Senate (66 - 31)
2/02 HB 1006 Allocation of School Resources for Homeless Students Bill Passed - House (56 - 40)
2/02 HB 1240 Statewide Testing Review and ISTEP Bill Passed - House (52 - 47)
2/02 SB 2604 Mississippi Adequate Education Program Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
2/02 Sub HB 262 College Admission for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (67 - 33)
2/02 HB 1050 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
2/02 HB 1006 Allocation of School Resources for Homeless Students Bill Passed - House (56 - 40)
2/01 HB 1056 Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill Bill Passed - House (36 - 28)
2/01 HB 1056 Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill Bill Passed - House (36 - 28)
2/01 SB 2602 Mississippi Education Reform Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
1/31 SB 145 Vehicle Seizure and Driving While Intoxicated Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
1/31 SB 390 Classroom First for Georgia Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
1/31 SB 175 Emergency Contraceptives for Rape Victims Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 26)
1/31 SB 145 Vehicle Seizure and Driving While Intoxicated Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
1/31 SB 258 Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
1/30 SB 354 Forestry Classifications Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
1/30 SB 354 Forestry Classifications Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
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)
1/26 AB 802 Local Governments Assessment of Flood Risks Bill Passed - House (41 - 34)
1/26 H 6700 Sub A Driver Refusal of Chemical Tests Bill Passed - House (64 - 6)
1/25 HB 4021 SUB Health Care Changes Bill Passed - House (80 - 14)
1/25 HB 123 Smoking Ban in Government Buildings Bill Passed - House (83 - 37)
1/24 HB 2002 English Language Learners; Structured English Immersion Models; Budget Requests Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
1/24 HB 2002 English Language Learners; Structured English Immersion Models; Budget Requests Bill Passed - House (33 - 23)
1/24 SB 27 State Fair Appropriation Bill Passed - House (61 - 7)
1/24 SB 60 Public School Transfer Program Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
1/24 SB 88 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
1/23 SB 96 Origin of Species Curriculum Requirement Bill Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
1/23 2nd Sub HB 2292 Addressing Health Care Liability Reform Bill Passed - House (54 - 43)
1/20 SB 19 Additions to Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
1/19 AB 766 Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Caps Veto Override Failed - House (63 - 36)
1/19 SB 111 Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
1/19 H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Passed - House (76 - 74)
1/19 SB 111 Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
1/17 H 3702 School Transportation Bill Passed - House (58 - 47)
1/17 H 3702 School Transportation Bill Passed - House (58 - 47)
1/17 SB 27 State Fair Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
1/12 SB 790 Health Care for Large Companies Veto Override Passed - House (88 - 50)
1/12 SB 790 Health Care for Large Companies Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
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)
1/11 SB 2310 Food and Tobacco Taxes Bill Passed - House (90 - 30)
1/09 S 2783 Age Restrictions for the Purchase of Tobacco Products Bill Passed - House (58 - 16)
1/06 SB 2310 Food and Tobacco Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 15)
1/03 H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - House (59 - 13)
1/03 H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
12/21 HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 44)
12/21 HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (93 - 0)
12/21 S Con Res 74 Removal of ANWR Provision from HR 2863 Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (48 - 45)
12/19 HR 2863 Defense Department FY2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (308 - 106)
12/19 S 1932 Budget Reconciliation Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (212 - 206)
12/19 HR 1815 Defense Department FY2006 Authorization Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 41)
12/19 S 1932 Budget Reconciliation Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (212 - 206)
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 S Amdt 2601 Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (51 - 47)
11/17 HR 3010 Labor, HHS and Education FY 2006 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Rejected - House (209 - 224)
11/15 S Amdt 2518 Iraq Progress Reports Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (79 - 19)
11/15 S Amdt 2519 Reporting Matters in Iraq Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 58)
11/15 S Amdt 2524 Guantanamo Bay Detainees Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (84 - 14)
11/15 S Amdt 2523 Judicial Review of Detainees Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 54)
11/15 S 1042 Defense Department FY2006 Authorization Bill Bill Passed - Senate (98 - 0)
11/10 S Amdt 2476 Investigating Contracts in Iraq Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 53)
11/10 S Amdt 2516 Detainees at Guantanamo Bay Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (49 - 42)
11/09 HR 2419 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill FY 2006 Conference Report Adopted - House (339 - 17)
11/08 S Amdt 2430 National Commission on Detainees Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 55)
11/03 S Amdt 2409 Targeted Case Management Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 52)
11/03 S Amdt 2348 Medicaid Generic Drug Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (49 - 50)
11/03 S Amdt 2365 Medical Assistance and Prescription Drug Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (54 - 45)
11/03 S Amdt 2357 Medicare Premiums Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (49 - 50)

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