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
Sept. 29, 2025 National S 2806 Eliminate Shutdowns Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (37 - 61)
Sept. 25, 2025 MI HB 4951 Establishes the Imposition, Collection, and Enforcement of Excise Taxes on Certain Sales of Cannabis Bill Passed - House (78 - 21)
Sept. 23, 2025 NC HB 358 Appropriates Funds for Disaster Relief and Extends Other Funds to Future Fiscal Years Concurrence Vote Passed - House (105 - 4)
Sept. 19, 2025 National HR 5371 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 Bill Failed - Senate (44 - 48)
Sept. 19, 2025 National S 2882 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026 Bill Failed - Senate (47 - 45)
Sept. 18, 2025 National HR 5371 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 Bill Passed - House (217 - 212)
Sept. 17, 2025 National H Res 722 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5371) making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 719) honoring the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" James Kirk; and for other purposes. Resolution Passed - House (216 - 210)
Sept. 17, 2025 MA H 4530 Appropriates Funds to Health Care Systems for Fiscal Year 2025 Bill Passed - House (148 - 1)
Sept. 16, 2025 National S Con Res 22 A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035. Motion Rejected - Senate (36 - 62)
Sept. 11, 2025 CA AB 564 Reduces the State Cannabis Excise Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 0)
Sept. 11, 2025 CA AB 245 Extends the Time that Individuals Have to Rebuild Their Home or Business Following Disaster Before Experiencing a Property Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Sept. 11, 2025 WI AB 308 Prohibits Public Funds From Being Used to Pay for Health Care Services for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (51 - 44)
Sept. 10, 2025 National S 2296 S. Amdt. 3849 to S. 2296 Bill Tabled - Senate (51 - 49)
Sept. 10, 2025 CA AB 564 Reduces the State Cannabis Excise Tax Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 1)
Sept. 10, 2025 National HR 3838 Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Bill Passed - House (231 - 196)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA AB 831 Prohibits the Facilitation or Usage of Online Sweepstakes Games that Utilize a Dual-Currency System Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA SB 345 Authorizes the State Fire Marshall to Establish and Collect Fees Associated with Fire Training and Education Bill Passed - House (79 - 0)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA SB 345 Authorizes the State Fire Marshall to Establish and Collect Fees Associated with Fire Training and Education Bill Passed - House (79 - 0)
Sept. 4, 2025 National S 2296 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Motion Agreed - Senate (83 - 13)
Sept. 4, 2025 National HR 4553 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 Bill Passed - House (214 - 213)
Sept. 2, 2025 National S 2296 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Cloture Invoked - Senate (84 - 14)
Aug. 26, 2025 TX HB 23 Establishes Property Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
Aug. 25, 2025 TX HB 23 Establishes Property Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Organizations Bill Passed - House (113 - 13)
Aug. 21, 2025 CA SB 280 Establishes Timelines Procedures, and Appropriates Funding for Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
Aug. 21, 2025 CA SB 280 Establishes Timelines Procedures, and Appropriates Funding for Redistricting Bill Passed - House (57 - 20)
Aug. 21, 2025 TX HB 22 (2nd Special Session) Authorizes the State Comptroller to Provide Funds to Local Governments for Emergency Communication Equipment Bill Passed - House (136 - 1)
Aug. 18, 2025 TX SB 5 (2nd Special Session) Appropriates Supplemental Funds for Disaster Relief and Preparedness Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
Aug. 12, 2025 PA HB 257 Establishes Regulations for Public Transportation Authorities and Appropriates or Transfers Funds From the Interactive Gaming Tax Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Aug. 12, 2025 PA HB 257 Establishes Regulations for Public Transportation Authorities and Appropriates or Transfers Funds From the Interactive Gaming Tax Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Aug. 12, 2025 PA SB 160 Appropriates Funds for the General Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Aug. 12, 2025 TX SB 1 (Special Session) Requires Youth Camps Located in 100-Year Floodplains to Develop and Carry Out Flood Evacuation Plans During Flood Warnings Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
Aug. 12, 2025 TX SB 3 (Special Session) Appropriates $200 Million to Cover the Projected 25% Non-Federal Matching Funds for FEMA Reimbursement Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
Aug. 12, 2025 TX SB 16 (Special Session) Appropriates Funding for the State Judicial Omnibus Package Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
Aug. 11, 2025 PA HB 1788 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Transportation Budget Bill Passed - House (108 - 95)
Aug. 6, 2025 TX SB 9 (Special Session) Reduces State Property Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
July 31, 2025 MA H 4307 Appropriates Funds for Municipal Road and Bridge Improvement Projects Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
July 31, 2025 MA H 4307 Appropriates Funds for Municipal Road and Bridge Improvement Projects Bill Passed - House (156 - 0)
July 30, 2025 NC HB 87 Authorizes the State to Participate in the One Big Beautiful Bill's Educational Choice Incentive Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 47)
July 30, 2025 TX SB 12 (Special Session) Prohibit Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
July 29, 2025 NC HB 87 Authorizes the State to Participate in the One Big Beautiful Bill's Educational Choice Incentive Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
July 21, 2025 OH HB 96 Appropriates Funding for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 State Budget Veto Override Passed - House (61 - 28)
July 17, 2025 CA AB 104 Requires Changes to the Budget by Adding, Removing, or Updating Funding for Certain Programs. Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 1)
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 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 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 4)
July 17, 2025 CA AB 104 Requires Changes to the Budget by Adding, Removing, or Updating Funding for Certain Programs. Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 1)
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 104 Requires Changes to the Budget by Adding, Removing, or Updating Funding for Certain Programs. Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 3)
July 14, 2025 PA HB 1330 Appropriates Funds for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Pennsylvania Operating Budget Bill Passed - House (105 - 97)
July 14, 2025 PA HB 1330 Appropriates Funds for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Pennsylvania Operating Budget Bill Passed - House (105 - 97)
July 7, 2025 CA SB 119 Appropriates Funding for the Public Social Services Trailer Bill Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
July 7, 2025 CA SB 119 Appropriates Funding for the Public Social Services Trailer Bill Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
July 7, 2025 PA HB 1505 Extends State Pre-K Counts Grant Eligibility to Intermediate Units Bill Passed - House (202 - 1)
July 3, 2025 National HR 1 One Big Beautiful Bill Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (218 - 214)
July 3, 2025 CA AB 1138 Expands California's Film and Television Tax Credit Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 1)
July 3, 2025 CA AB 1138 Expands California's Film and Television Tax Credit Program Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
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 3, 2025 National H Res 566 Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 1) to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14 Resolution Passed - House (219 - 213)
July 2, 2025 WI SB 45 Appropriates Funds for Public Education, Infrastructure, Property Tax Relief, and State Government Services for 2026-27 Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
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)
July 1, 2025 NJ S 3910 Establishes The New Jersey Universal Preschool and Kindergarten Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 25)
June 30, 2025 NJ S 4467 Authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to Expand Sums to Make Loans for Environmental Infrastructure Projects in Fiscal Year 2026 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 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 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (139 - 6)
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 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 NJ S 2026 Appropriates $58 Billion in State Funds and $31 Billion in Federal Funds for the State Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 Bill Passed - House (52 - 27)
June 30, 2025 CA SB 129 Appropriates $584 Million from the General Fund to Supplement the State's Appropriation to the Public Employees' Retirement Fund Bill Passed - House (69 - 5)
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 NJ A 5688 Establishes a New Hotel Tax to Fund Municipal Fire Departments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
June 30, 2025 NJ S 4618 Amends Requirements and Availability of the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program Bill Passed - House (63 - 16)
June 30, 2025 DE HB 187 Authorizes Direct Shipping of Wine and Beer to Delaware Residents Bill Passed - House (37 - 3)
June 30, 2025 NJ S 3910 Establishes The New Jersey Universal Preschool and Kindergarten Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Date No. Title Outcome
9/29 S 2806 Eliminate Shutdowns Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (37 - 61)
9/25 HB 4951 Establishes the Imposition, Collection, and Enforcement of Excise Taxes on Certain Sales of Cannabis Bill Passed - House (78 - 21)
9/23 HB 358 Appropriates Funds for Disaster Relief and Extends Other Funds to Future Fiscal Years Concurrence Vote Passed - House (105 - 4)
9/19 HR 5371 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 Bill Failed - Senate (44 - 48)
9/19 S 2882 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026 Bill Failed - Senate (47 - 45)
9/18 HR 5371 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 Bill Passed - House (217 - 212)
9/17 H Res 722 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5371) making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 719) honoring the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" James Kirk; and for other purposes. Resolution Passed - House (216 - 210)
9/17 H 4530 Appropriates Funds to Health Care Systems for Fiscal Year 2025 Bill Passed - House (148 - 1)
9/16 S Con Res 22 A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035. Motion Rejected - Senate (36 - 62)
9/11 AB 564 Reduces the State Cannabis Excise Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 0)
9/11 AB 245 Extends the Time that Individuals Have to Rebuild Their Home or Business Following Disaster Before Experiencing a Property Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
9/11 AB 308 Prohibits Public Funds From Being Used to Pay for Health Care Services for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (51 - 44)
9/10 S 2296 S. Amdt. 3849 to S. 2296 Bill Tabled - Senate (51 - 49)
9/10 AB 564 Reduces the State Cannabis Excise Tax Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 1)
9/10 HR 3838 Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Bill Passed - House (231 - 196)
9/08 AB 831 Prohibits the Facilitation or Usage of Online Sweepstakes Games that Utilize a Dual-Currency System Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
9/08 SB 345 Authorizes the State Fire Marshall to Establish and Collect Fees Associated with Fire Training and Education Bill Passed - House (79 - 0)
9/08 SB 345 Authorizes the State Fire Marshall to Establish and Collect Fees Associated with Fire Training and Education Bill Passed - House (79 - 0)
9/04 S 2296 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Motion Agreed - Senate (83 - 13)
9/04 HR 4553 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 Bill Passed - House (214 - 213)
9/02 S 2296 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 Cloture Invoked - Senate (84 - 14)
8/26 HB 23 Establishes Property Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
8/25 HB 23 Establishes Property Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Organizations Bill Passed - House (113 - 13)
8/21 SB 280 Establishes Timelines Procedures, and Appropriates Funding for Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
8/21 SB 280 Establishes Timelines Procedures, and Appropriates Funding for Redistricting Bill Passed - House (57 - 20)
8/21 HB 22 (2nd Special Session) Authorizes the State Comptroller to Provide Funds to Local Governments for Emergency Communication Equipment Bill Passed - House (136 - 1)
8/18 SB 5 (2nd Special Session) Appropriates Supplemental Funds for Disaster Relief and Preparedness Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
8/12 HB 257 Establishes Regulations for Public Transportation Authorities and Appropriates or Transfers Funds From the Interactive Gaming Tax Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
8/12 HB 257 Establishes Regulations for Public Transportation Authorities and Appropriates or Transfers Funds From the Interactive Gaming Tax Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
8/12 SB 160 Appropriates Funds for the General Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
8/12 SB 1 (Special Session) Requires Youth Camps Located in 100-Year Floodplains to Develop and Carry Out Flood Evacuation Plans During Flood Warnings Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
8/12 SB 3 (Special Session) Appropriates $200 Million to Cover the Projected 25% Non-Federal Matching Funds for FEMA Reimbursement Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
8/12 SB 16 (Special Session) Appropriates Funding for the State Judicial Omnibus Package Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
8/11 HB 1788 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Transportation Budget Bill Passed - House (108 - 95)
8/06 SB 9 (Special Session) Reduces State Property Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
7/31 H 4307 Appropriates Funds for Municipal Road and Bridge Improvement Projects Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
7/31 H 4307 Appropriates Funds for Municipal Road and Bridge Improvement Projects Bill Passed - House (156 - 0)
7/30 HB 87 Authorizes the State to Participate in the One Big Beautiful Bill's Educational Choice Incentive Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 47)
7/30 SB 12 (Special Session) Prohibit Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
7/29 HB 87 Authorizes the State to Participate in the One Big Beautiful Bill's Educational Choice Incentive Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
7/21 HB 96 Appropriates Funding for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 State Budget Veto Override Passed - House (61 - 28)
7/17 AB 104 Requires Changes to the Budget by Adding, Removing, or Updating Funding for Certain Programs. Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 1)
7/17 SB 119 Appropriates Funding for the Public Social Services Trailer Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
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 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 4)
7/17 AB 104 Requires Changes to the Budget by Adding, Removing, or Updating Funding for Certain Programs. Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 1)
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 104 Requires Changes to the Budget by Adding, Removing, or Updating Funding for Certain Programs. Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 3)
7/14 HB 1330 Appropriates Funds for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Pennsylvania Operating Budget Bill Passed - House (105 - 97)
7/14 HB 1330 Appropriates Funds for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Pennsylvania Operating Budget Bill Passed - House (105 - 97)
7/07 SB 119 Appropriates Funding for the Public Social Services Trailer Bill Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
7/07 SB 119 Appropriates Funding for the Public Social Services Trailer Bill Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
7/07 HB 1505 Extends State Pre-K Counts Grant Eligibility to Intermediate Units Bill Passed - House (202 - 1)
7/03 HR 1 One Big Beautiful Bill Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (218 - 214)
7/03 AB 1138 Expands California's Film and Television Tax Credit Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 1)
7/03 AB 1138 Expands California's Film and Television Tax Credit Program Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
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)
7/03 H Res 566 Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 1) to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14 Resolution Passed - House (219 - 213)
7/02 SB 45 Appropriates Funds for Public Education, Infrastructure, Property Tax Relief, and State Government Services for 2026-27 Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
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)
7/01 S 3910 Establishes The New Jersey Universal Preschool and Kindergarten Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 25)
6/30 S 4467 Authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to Expand Sums to Make Loans for Environmental Infrastructure Projects in Fiscal Year 2026 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 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 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (139 - 6)
6/30 H 4240 Appropriates Funding for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 State Budget Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
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 S 2026 Appropriates $58 Billion in State Funds and $31 Billion in Federal Funds for the State Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 Bill Passed - House (52 - 27)
6/30 SB 129 Appropriates $584 Million from the General Fund to Supplement the State's Appropriation to the Public Employees' Retirement Fund Bill Passed - House (69 - 5)
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 A 5688 Establishes a New Hotel Tax to Fund Municipal Fire Departments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
6/30 S 4618 Amends Requirements and Availability of the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program Bill Passed - House (63 - 16)
6/30 HB 187 Authorizes Direct Shipping of Wine and Beer to Delaware Residents Bill Passed - House (37 - 3)
6/30 S 3910 Establishes The New Jersey Universal Preschool and Kindergarten Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)

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