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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Dec. 21, 2010 National HR 3082 Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (193 - 165)
Dec. 21, 2010 National HR 3082 Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (193 - 165)
Dec. 15, 2010 National HR 2965 Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 175)
Dec. 15, 2010 National HR 2965 Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 175)
Dec. 13, 2010 NJ S 1 Low-Income Housing Amendments and Abolishing the Council on Affordable Housing Bill Passed - House (43 - 32)
Dec. 8, 2010 National HR 5281 DREAM Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (216 - 198)
Dec. 8, 2010 National HR 5987 Seniors Protection Act Bill Failed - House (254 - 153)
Dec. 8, 2010 National HR 5987 Seniors Protection Act Bill Failed - House (254 - 153)
Dec. 2, 2010 National H Res 1737 Censure for Representative Charles Rangel Resolution Passed - House (333 - 79)
Nov. 30, 2010 IL SB 1716 Authorizing Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (61 - 52)
Nov. 18, 2010 National HR 6419 Extension of Certain Unemployment Benefits Bill Failed - House (258 - 154)
Nov. 15, 2010 PA HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Concurrence Vote Passed - House (165 - 31)
Nov. 15, 2010 PA HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Concurrence Vote Passed - House (165 - 31)
Sept. 23, 2010 MI SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (60 - 45)
Sept. 23, 2010 MI SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (60 - 45)
Sept. 22, 2010 National HR 3470 Infant Mortality Pilot Programs Bill Passed - House (324 - 64)
Aug. 30, 2010 CA SB 1317 Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy Bill Passed - House (58 - 17)
Aug. 26, 2010 CA AB 1825 Requiring Inclusion of Maternity Services in Health Coverage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 22)
July 27, 2010 National HR 4899 Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Supplemental Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (308 - 114)
July 22, 2010 National HR 4213 Unemployment Benefits Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (272 - 152)
July 21, 2010 National HR 725 Tribal Law Enforcement Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (326 - 92)
July 19, 2010 WV HB 201 Filling Senate Seat Vacancy Motion Agreed - House (85 - 5)
July 17, 2010 WV HB 201 Filling Senate Seat Vacancy Motion Rejected - House (51 - 34)
July 17, 2010 WV HB 201 Filling Senate Seat Vacancy Bill Passed - House (46 - 37)
July 17, 2010 WV HB 201 Filling Senate Seat Vacancy Bill Failed - House (42 - 45)
July 14, 2010 MO HB 1 Public Retirement Systems Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 53)
July 14, 2010 MO HB 1 Public Retirement Systems Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 53)
July 8, 2010 NC HB 1035 Performance and Payment Bond Modification Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 50)
July 8, 2010 NC HB 1726 Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 8)
July 6, 2010 NC Amdt 2 Lobbying Restrictions Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 48)
July 6, 2010 NC Amdt 2 Lobbying Restrictions Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 48)
July 2, 2010 PA HB 2601 Environmentally Beneficial and Energy Efficient Technologies Bill Passed - House (125 - 71)
July 1, 2010 National HR 5618 Unemployment Benefits Extension Bill Passed - House (270 - 153)
July 1, 2010 CA SB 1121 Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
July 1, 2010 NY S 1523 Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child Bill Passed - House (95 - 44)
July 1, 2010 NY S 3890 Divorce Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (120 - 20)
July 1, 2010 National H Res 1500 Deeming Supplemental Military Appropriations Passed and Allowing Divided Question Bill Passed - House (215 - 210)
July 1, 2010 NY S 1523 Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child Bill Passed - House (95 - 44)
July 1, 2010 PA HB 67 Driving Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (71 - 126)
July 1, 2010 NY A10163 Establishing the Wage Theft Prevention Act Bill Passed - House (88 - 49)
June 29, 2010 MO HB 1 Public Retirement Systems Bill Passed - House (92 - 54)
June 29, 2010 MO HB 1 Public Retirement Systems Bill Passed - House (92 - 54)
June 29, 2010 PA HB 2189 Defining the Offense of Sexting Bill Passed - House (163 - 36)
June 28, 2010 NC HB 1726 Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards Bill Passed - House (67 - 46)
June 21, 2010 CT HB 5207 Criminal Background Checks for State Employees Veto Override Passed - House (120 - 19)
June 21, 2010 NJ A 2740 Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 21)
June 20, 2010 LA HB 519 Limiting "Retire-Rehire" Benefits in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (71 - 19)
June 20, 2010 LA HB 519 Limiting "Retire-Rehire" Benefits in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (71 - 19)
June 17, 2010 MI SJR V Expanding Prohibitions Against Felons Holding Public Office Joint Resolution Passed - House (91 - 13)
June 17, 2010 MI SJR V Expanding Prohibitions Against Felons Holding Public Office Joint Resolution Passed - House (91 - 13)
June 16, 2010 LA HB 303 Authorizing Home School Student Athletic Participation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (82 - 13)
June 16, 2010 PA HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Bill Passed - House (192 - 6)
June 16, 2010 PA HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Bill Passed - House (192 - 6)
June 9, 2010 TN HB 670 Requiring Correctional Facilities to Determine Immigration Status of Inmates Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 30)
June 9, 2010 LA HCR 62 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Congressional Taxation Requirements Resolution Passed - House (68 - 21)
June 9, 2010 LA HCR 57 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Presidential Line-Item Veto Resolution Passed - House (77 - 12)
June 9, 2010 LA HCR 68 Requesting Constitutional Convention for a Balanced Budget Amendment Resolution Passed - House (69 - 21)
June 9, 2010 LA HCR 59 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Congressional Legislation Restrictions Resolution Passed - House (76 - 13)
June 9, 2010 LA HCR 64 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Limiting Congressional Authority Resolution Passed - House (52 - 32)
June 9, 2010 LA HCR 66 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Federal Budget Restrictions Resolution Passed - House (74 - 21)
June 9, 2010 LA HCR 63 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Congressional Term Limits Resolution Passed - House (56 - 29)
June 9, 2010 NH Amdt 2408 Insurance Premium Amendments Amendment Rejected - House (130 - 220)
June 9, 2010 NH Amdt 2408 Insurance Premium Amendments Amendment Rejected - House (130 - 220)
June 9, 2010 LA HCR 65 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Debt Reduction Requirements Resolution Passed - House (74 - 19)
June 9, 2010 LA HCR 67 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Limiting Congressional Authority Resolution Passed - House (59 - 32)
June 9, 2010 LA HCR 69 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Limiting Congressional Authority Resolution Passed - House (57 - 29)
June 8, 2010 PA HB 1502 Verification of Employee Eligibility Bill Passed - House (188 - 6)
June 8, 2010 PA HB 1502 Verification of Employee Eligibility Bill Passed - House (188 - 6)
June 3, 2010 OH Wachtmann Amdt Authorizes Funding for the Workers' Compensation Council Amendment Tabled - House (53 - 44)
June 2, 2010 OH SB 210 Establishing Health and Nutrition Standards in Schools Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
June 2, 2010 CA AB 1825 Requiring Inclusion of Maternity Services in Health Coverage Bill Passed - House (48 - 25)
May 28, 2010 National HR 5136 2010-2011 Defense Appropriation Authorizations Bill Passed - House (229 - 186)
May 28, 2010 National HR 5136 2010-2011 Defense Appropriation Authorizations Bill Passed - House (229 - 186)
May 28, 2010 National HR 4213 Unemployment Benefits Extension and Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (215 - 204)
May 27, 2010 National H Amdt 672 Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" After Military Review and Certification Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 194)
May 27, 2010 National H Amdt 672 Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" After Military Review and Certification Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 194)
May 27, 2010 LA HB 1033 Evaluation and Assessment Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 23)
May 27, 2010 OH HJR 15 Apportionment of State Legislative Districts Bill Passed - House (69 - 28)
May 26, 2010 MA H 4703 Sentencing Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (139 - 17)
May 26, 2010 OH HB 473 Prohibits Inappropriate Pictures of Minors Bill Passed - House (86 - 12)
May 25, 2010 IL SB 3514 Amending State Pension Laws and Limiting Pension Appropriations Bill Passed - House (71 - 44)
May 25, 2010 IL SB 3514 Amending State Pension Laws and Limiting Pension Appropriations Bill Passed - House (71 - 44)
May 25, 2010 IL SB 3660 Emergency Budget Act of Fiscal Year 2011 Bill Passed - House (67 - 50)
May 24, 2010 TN HJR 1253 Resolution Recognizing Arizona Statehood and New Immigration Policy Joint Resolution Passed - House (67 - 27)
May 24, 2010 LA HB 1390 Limiting Legislative Per Diem Pay Bill Failed - House (51 - 31)
May 20, 2010 LA HB 1443 Establishing Requirements for Contracts entered into by the Department of Health and Hospitals Bill Passed - House (64 - 27)
May 18, 2010 OK HJR 1056 Prohibits Use of International and Sharia Law in State Courts Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 10)
May 17, 2010 NY S 7846 Emergency Appropriations Bill Passed - House (92 - 50)
May 17, 2010 LA HB 1478 Unpaid holidays for state employees Bill Failed - House (23 - 68)
May 13, 2010 LA HB 554 Prohibiting Release on Own Recognizance for Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (63 - 20)
May 13, 2010 CA AB 1756 Food Stamps for Drug Felons Bill Passed - House (44 - 31)
May 12, 2010 CO HB 1409 State Employee Compensation Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 27)
May 12, 2010 CO HB 1360 Parole Violation Punishment Reduction Concurrence Vote Passed - House (43 - 18)
May 12, 2010 CO SB 191 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
May 12, 2010 LA HB 1339 Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders Bill Passed - House (59 - 34)
May 11, 2010 MN SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Bill Passed - House (78 - 55)
May 11, 2010 MN SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Bill Passed - House (78 - 55)
May 10, 2010 CO SB 12 Increasing Penalties for Worker's Compensation Violations Bill Passed - House (37 - 27)
May 10, 2010 NY S 7777 Emergency Appropriations Bill Passed - House (83 - 56)
May 10, 2010 NY S 7777 Emergency Appropriations Bill Passed - House (83 - 56)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/21 HR 3082 Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (193 - 165)
12/21 HR 3082 Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (193 - 165)
12/15 HR 2965 Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 175)
12/15 HR 2965 Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 175)
12/13 S 1 Low-Income Housing Amendments and Abolishing the Council on Affordable Housing Bill Passed - House (43 - 32)
12/08 HR 5281 DREAM Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (216 - 198)
12/08 HR 5987 Seniors Protection Act Bill Failed - House (254 - 153)
12/08 HR 5987 Seniors Protection Act Bill Failed - House (254 - 153)
12/02 H Res 1737 Censure for Representative Charles Rangel Resolution Passed - House (333 - 79)
11/30 SB 1716 Authorizing Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (61 - 52)
11/18 HR 6419 Extension of Certain Unemployment Benefits Bill Failed - House (258 - 154)
11/15 HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Concurrence Vote Passed - House (165 - 31)
11/15 HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Concurrence Vote Passed - House (165 - 31)
9/23 SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (60 - 45)
9/23 SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (60 - 45)
9/22 HR 3470 Infant Mortality Pilot Programs Bill Passed - House (324 - 64)
8/30 SB 1317 Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy Bill Passed - House (58 - 17)
8/26 AB 1825 Requiring Inclusion of Maternity Services in Health Coverage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 22)
7/27 HR 4899 Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Supplemental Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (308 - 114)
7/22 HR 4213 Unemployment Benefits Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (272 - 152)
7/21 HR 725 Tribal Law Enforcement Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (326 - 92)
7/19 HB 201 Filling Senate Seat Vacancy Motion Agreed - House (85 - 5)
7/17 HB 201 Filling Senate Seat Vacancy Motion Rejected - House (51 - 34)
7/17 HB 201 Filling Senate Seat Vacancy Bill Passed - House (46 - 37)
7/17 HB 201 Filling Senate Seat Vacancy Bill Failed - House (42 - 45)
7/14 HB 1 Public Retirement Systems Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 53)
7/14 HB 1 Public Retirement Systems Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 53)
7/08 HB 1035 Performance and Payment Bond Modification Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 50)
7/08 HB 1726 Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 8)
7/06 Amdt 2 Lobbying Restrictions Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 48)
7/06 Amdt 2 Lobbying Restrictions Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 48)
7/02 HB 2601 Environmentally Beneficial and Energy Efficient Technologies Bill Passed - House (125 - 71)
7/01 HR 5618 Unemployment Benefits Extension Bill Passed - House (270 - 153)
7/01 SB 1121 Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
7/01 S 1523 Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child Bill Passed - House (95 - 44)
7/01 S 3890 Divorce Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (120 - 20)
7/01 H Res 1500 Deeming Supplemental Military Appropriations Passed and Allowing Divided Question Bill Passed - House (215 - 210)
7/01 S 1523 Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child Bill Passed - House (95 - 44)
7/01 HB 67 Driving Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (71 - 126)
7/01 A10163 Establishing the Wage Theft Prevention Act Bill Passed - House (88 - 49)
6/29 HB 1 Public Retirement Systems Bill Passed - House (92 - 54)
6/29 HB 1 Public Retirement Systems Bill Passed - House (92 - 54)
6/29 HB 2189 Defining the Offense of Sexting Bill Passed - House (163 - 36)
6/28 HB 1726 Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards Bill Passed - House (67 - 46)
6/21 HB 5207 Criminal Background Checks for State Employees Veto Override Passed - House (120 - 19)
6/21 A 2740 Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 21)
6/20 HB 519 Limiting "Retire-Rehire" Benefits in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (71 - 19)
6/20 HB 519 Limiting "Retire-Rehire" Benefits in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (71 - 19)
6/17 SJR V Expanding Prohibitions Against Felons Holding Public Office Joint Resolution Passed - House (91 - 13)
6/17 SJR V Expanding Prohibitions Against Felons Holding Public Office Joint Resolution Passed - House (91 - 13)
6/16 HB 303 Authorizing Home School Student Athletic Participation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (82 - 13)
6/16 HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Bill Passed - House (192 - 6)
6/16 HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Bill Passed - House (192 - 6)
6/09 HB 670 Requiring Correctional Facilities to Determine Immigration Status of Inmates Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 30)
6/09 HCR 62 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Congressional Taxation Requirements Resolution Passed - House (68 - 21)
6/09 HCR 57 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Presidential Line-Item Veto Resolution Passed - House (77 - 12)
6/09 HCR 68 Requesting Constitutional Convention for a Balanced Budget Amendment Resolution Passed - House (69 - 21)
6/09 HCR 59 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Congressional Legislation Restrictions Resolution Passed - House (76 - 13)
6/09 HCR 64 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Limiting Congressional Authority Resolution Passed - House (52 - 32)
6/09 HCR 66 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Federal Budget Restrictions Resolution Passed - House (74 - 21)
6/09 HCR 63 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Congressional Term Limits Resolution Passed - House (56 - 29)
6/09 Amdt 2408 Insurance Premium Amendments Amendment Rejected - House (130 - 220)
6/09 Amdt 2408 Insurance Premium Amendments Amendment Rejected - House (130 - 220)
6/09 HCR 65 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Debt Reduction Requirements Resolution Passed - House (74 - 19)
6/09 HCR 67 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Limiting Congressional Authority Resolution Passed - House (59 - 32)
6/09 HCR 69 Requesting Constitutional Convention for Limiting Congressional Authority Resolution Passed - House (57 - 29)
6/08 HB 1502 Verification of Employee Eligibility Bill Passed - House (188 - 6)
6/08 HB 1502 Verification of Employee Eligibility Bill Passed - House (188 - 6)
6/03 Wachtmann Amdt Authorizes Funding for the Workers' Compensation Council Amendment Tabled - House (53 - 44)
6/02 SB 210 Establishing Health and Nutrition Standards in Schools Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
6/02 AB 1825 Requiring Inclusion of Maternity Services in Health Coverage Bill Passed - House (48 - 25)
5/28 HR 5136 2010-2011 Defense Appropriation Authorizations Bill Passed - House (229 - 186)
5/28 HR 5136 2010-2011 Defense Appropriation Authorizations Bill Passed - House (229 - 186)
5/28 HR 4213 Unemployment Benefits Extension and Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (215 - 204)
5/27 H Amdt 672 Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" After Military Review and Certification Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 194)
5/27 H Amdt 672 Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" After Military Review and Certification Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 194)
5/27 HB 1033 Evaluation and Assessment Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 23)
5/27 HJR 15 Apportionment of State Legislative Districts Bill Passed - House (69 - 28)
5/26 H 4703 Sentencing Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (139 - 17)
5/26 HB 473 Prohibits Inappropriate Pictures of Minors Bill Passed - House (86 - 12)
5/25 SB 3514 Amending State Pension Laws and Limiting Pension Appropriations Bill Passed - House (71 - 44)
5/25 SB 3514 Amending State Pension Laws and Limiting Pension Appropriations Bill Passed - House (71 - 44)
5/25 SB 3660 Emergency Budget Act of Fiscal Year 2011 Bill Passed - House (67 - 50)
5/24 HJR 1253 Resolution Recognizing Arizona Statehood and New Immigration Policy Joint Resolution Passed - House (67 - 27)
5/24 HB 1390 Limiting Legislative Per Diem Pay Bill Failed - House (51 - 31)
5/20 HB 1443 Establishing Requirements for Contracts entered into by the Department of Health and Hospitals Bill Passed - House (64 - 27)
5/18 HJR 1056 Prohibits Use of International and Sharia Law in State Courts Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 10)
5/17 S 7846 Emergency Appropriations Bill Passed - House (92 - 50)
5/17 HB 1478 Unpaid holidays for state employees Bill Failed - House (23 - 68)
5/13 HB 554 Prohibiting Release on Own Recognizance for Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (63 - 20)
5/13 AB 1756 Food Stamps for Drug Felons Bill Passed - House (44 - 31)
5/12 HB 1409 State Employee Compensation Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 27)
5/12 HB 1360 Parole Violation Punishment Reduction Concurrence Vote Passed - House (43 - 18)
5/12 SB 191 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
5/12 HB 1339 Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders Bill Passed - House (59 - 34)
5/11 SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Bill Passed - House (78 - 55)
5/11 SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Bill Passed - House (78 - 55)
5/10 SB 12 Increasing Penalties for Worker's Compensation Violations Bill Passed - House (37 - 27)
5/10 S 7777 Emergency Appropriations Bill Passed - House (83 - 56)
5/10 S 7777 Emergency Appropriations Bill Passed - House (83 - 56)

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