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
May 2, 2012 MS JR 1 State House Redistricting Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 14)
May 2, 2012 MS JR 201 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 5)
March 29, 2022 NE LB 1011 Appropriates Funds for Upcoming Fiscal Years Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 4)
April 13, 2022 NE LB 686 Expands Membership of Executive Board of Legislative Council Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5)
May 26, 2011 NE LB 703 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 9)
May 26, 2011 NE LB 704 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
July 25, 2023 ME LD 1155 Increases Legislative Salary Pay Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
March 14, 2016 National PN 1152 Nomination of John B. King to be Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (49 - 40)
April 21, 2021 National PN 79-4 Nomination of Vanita Gupta to be Associate Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 49)
Feb. 9, 2010 NY R 3904 Expelling Senator Hiram Monserrate from the Senate Resolution Passed - Senate (53 - 8)
Aug. 2, 2007 National S 1 Lobbying and Donation Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (83 - 14)
Jan. 28, 2021 ID S 1022 Transfers $4 Million from the General Fund to the Legislative Legal Defense Fund Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
April 25, 2017 NY S 1229 Establishes Term Limits for Legislative Leadership Positions Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 9)
Sept. 18, 2007 National S 1257 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (57 - 42)
Feb. 26, 2009 National S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
June 23, 2008 NJ S 1962 State Worker Retirement and Health Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
March 13, 2014 NY S 2031A Amends the Board of Regents Appointment Process Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19)
Feb. 2, 2012 National S 2038 Prohibits Insider Trading by Government Officials Bill Passed - Senate (96 - 3)
Feb. 1, 2012 RI S 2178 State Senate, State House, and Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
March 14, 2011 NY S 3331 Non-Partisan Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 24)
April 5, 2007 SC S 355 Restructuring the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
June 9, 2021 NY S 7150 Amends State Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 10, 2011 MA S 9 Establishing a Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Jan. 5, 1995 National S Amdt 1 Filibuster Amendment Amendment Tabled - Senate (76 - 19)
April 12, 2011 OK S Amdt 1 Removes Provision Authorizing Legislators to Carry Firearms Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
Jan. 31, 2020 National S Amdt 1298 Requires the US Chief Justice to rule on motions to subpoena witnesses and documents and issues of privilege Amendment Tabled - Senate (53 - 47)
Feb. 2, 2012 National S Amdt 1472 Prohibits Consideration of Bills Containing Earmarks Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 59)
Sept. 14, 2005 National S Amdt 1670 Special Committee on Contracts in Afghanistan and Iraq Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 53)
Sept. 15, 2005 National S Amdt 1678 Hurricane Katrina Relief Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (43 - 52)
Oct. 23, 2003 National S Amdt 1904 Congressional Pay Raise Amendment Amendment Tabled - Senate (60 - 34)
Oct. 18, 2005 National S Amdt 2062 Congressional Pay Raise Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (92 - 6)
June 25, 1998 National S Amdt 2981 Military Closure Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (48 - 45)
Jan. 26, 2010 National S Amdt 3302 Establishing a Federal Budget Deficit Commission Amendment Rejected - Senate (53 - 46)
May 29, 2008 LA S Amdt 3870 Legislator Financial Disclosures Amendment Rejected - Senate (5 - 29)
March 13, 2008 National S Amdt 4347 Earmark Moratorium Motion Rejected - Senate (29 - 71)
Nov. 30, 2010 National S Amdt 4697 Prohibiting Earmarks Motion Rejected - Senate (39 - 56)
June 23, 2011 National S Amdt 499 Prohibits the Appointment of Presidential "Czars" Without Senate Approval Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 51)
Oct. 20, 2011 MD SB 1 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
Feb. 6, 2014 KY SB 1 Authorizes Legislature to Review Administrative Regulations Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 14)
Aug. 3, 2011 WV SB 1006 Redistricing State Senate Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 4)
Aug. 5, 2011 WV SB 1008 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
July 15, 2020 PA SB 1166 Limits the Governor's Emergency Powers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
May 27, 2011 IL SB 1177 General Assembly Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 22)
May 31, 2011 IL SB 1178 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 25)
Dec. 14, 2011 PA SB 1249 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
May 29, 2014 CA SB 1253 Amends Legislative Initiative Measure Laws Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
Feb. 25, 2009 NM SB 141 Allowing Increase of Penalties for Convicted Public Officials Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12)
Feb. 12, 2014 SD SB 142 Increases Salary for State Legislators Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 15)
July 19, 2011 WI SB 148 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
July 19, 2011 WI SB 149 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Feb. 19, 2009 NC SB 15 Limiting Per Diem Payments to Legislators Motion Agreed - Senate (37 - 11)
May 2, 2017 WI SB 15 Expands Legislature's Regulatory Review Powers Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Jan. 19, 2012 TN SB 1514 State Senate Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
May 27, 2019 AZ SB 1558 Increases Stipends for State Legislators Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
March 15, 2012 KY SB 18 Amends Redistricting Requirements Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 11)
Feb. 6, 2009 MT SB 187 Limitations on Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
Aug. 18, 2011 GA SB 1EX State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
Feb. 2, 2021 KY SB 2 Increases Legislative Oversight Over Executive Orders Related to Emergencies Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Jan. 29, 2013 WI SB 2 Limits the Secretary of State's Role in Legislation Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
Aug. 11, 2014 FL SB 2-A Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Feb. 10, 2023 KY SB 20 Prohibits the Use of TikTok on State Government Technology Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
March 5, 2009 GA SB 200 Reorganization of State Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 25)
Feb. 17, 2021 OH SB 22 Authorizes the General Assembly to Repeal the Governor's Emergency Declarations Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
Sept. 19, 2011 NM SB 22 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
June 22, 2011 TX SB 22 Establishing the Texas Congressional Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 17, 2014 KY SB 221 Authorizes Legislative Leaders to Intervene in Certain Court Cases Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
April 20, 2021 ND SB 2271 Establishes a Statement of Legislative Intent Regarding Presidential Elections Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 8)
Oct. 31, 2007 MI SB 229 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
Feb. 26, 2024 UT SB 240 Specifies Daily Calendars for State Elected Officials are No Longer Considered Public Government Records Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
April 4, 2016 LA SB 25 Authorizes Legislature to Introduce Fiscal Bills Every Year Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 24)
May 22, 2012 AL SB 25 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
June 25, 2021 PA SB 255 Appropriates Funds for Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
Nov. 16, 2021 OH SB 258 Establishes Congressional District Boundaries Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
April 5, 2017 DE SB 27 Establishes Bipartisan Commission for Drawing Legislative Districts Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 7)
May 30, 2014 IL SB 274 Requires Salary Payments to State Legislators Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 18)
Nov. 7, 2011 NC SB 283 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
April 25, 2013 MI SB 288 Authorizes the Natural Resources Commission to Designate Huntable Game Species Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
March 11, 2021 KY SB 3 Amends Laws Related to Declaring an Emergency Related to the Agricultural Industry Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
June 23, 2013 TX SB 3 State House Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
Oct. 17, 2011 UT SB 3002 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 5)
Sept. 21, 2011 NM SB 33 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
April 27, 2021 NC SB 360 Prohibits Any State Agency from Settling Certain Lawsuits Without the Approval of the General Assembly Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
Feb. 22, 2013 KY SB 39 Requires Medicaid Expansion to be Approved by the Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
June 20, 2011 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
June 14, 2013 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
June 6, 2011 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
Feb. 22, 2013 KY SB 40 Requires Health Care Exchanges to Be Approved by The Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
May 25, 2021 PA SB 426 Increases Legislative Oversight of the Regulatory Review Process Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 22, 2016 KS SB 439 Specifies Qualifications for Impeachment Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
July 27, 2011 NC SB 453 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
July 25, 2011 NC SB 455 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
April 6, 2021 NV SB 47 Authorizes Borrowing Money for Programs Approved by the State Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
June 2, 2011 AL SB 484 2011 Congressional Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 15)
May 10, 2011 NV SB 497 Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
June 29, 2011 MI SB 498 Legislative Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Jan. 13, 2010 KY SB 51 Legislator Pension Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Aug. 16, 2023 NC SB 512 Repeals Governor Appointment Powers Over Various State Governing Boards Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2015 CO SB 52 Expands Legislative Oversight of the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
Feb. 8, 2010 NM SB 531 Legislative Finance Committee Review of Confidential Information Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
Feb. 15, 2010 WA SB 6562 Expanding State University Tuition Authority Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/02 JR 1 State House Redistricting Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 14)
5/02 JR 201 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 5)
3/29 LB 1011 Appropriates Funds for Upcoming Fiscal Years Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 4)
4/13 LB 686 Expands Membership of Executive Board of Legislative Council Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5)
5/26 LB 703 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 9)
5/26 LB 704 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
7/25 LD 1155 Increases Legislative Salary Pay Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
3/14 PN 1152 Nomination of John B. King to be Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (49 - 40)
4/21 PN 79-4 Nomination of Vanita Gupta to be Associate Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 49)
2/09 R 3904 Expelling Senator Hiram Monserrate from the Senate Resolution Passed - Senate (53 - 8)
8/02 S 1 Lobbying and Donation Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (83 - 14)
1/28 S 1022 Transfers $4 Million from the General Fund to the Legislative Legal Defense Fund Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
4/25 S 1229 Establishes Term Limits for Legislative Leadership Positions Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 9)
9/18 S 1257 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (57 - 42)
2/26 S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
6/23 S 1962 State Worker Retirement and Health Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
3/13 S 2031A Amends the Board of Regents Appointment Process Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19)
2/02 S 2038 Prohibits Insider Trading by Government Officials Bill Passed - Senate (96 - 3)
2/01 S 2178 State Senate, State House, and Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
3/14 S 3331 Non-Partisan Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 24)
4/05 S 355 Restructuring the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
6/09 S 7150 Amends State Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/10 S 9 Establishing a Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
1/05 S Amdt 1 Filibuster Amendment Amendment Tabled - Senate (76 - 19)
4/12 S Amdt 1 Removes Provision Authorizing Legislators to Carry Firearms Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
1/31 S Amdt 1298 Requires the US Chief Justice to rule on motions to subpoena witnesses and documents and issues of privilege Amendment Tabled - Senate (53 - 47)
2/02 S Amdt 1472 Prohibits Consideration of Bills Containing Earmarks Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 59)
9/14 S Amdt 1670 Special Committee on Contracts in Afghanistan and Iraq Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 53)
9/15 S Amdt 1678 Hurricane Katrina Relief Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (43 - 52)
10/23 S Amdt 1904 Congressional Pay Raise Amendment Amendment Tabled - Senate (60 - 34)
10/18 S Amdt 2062 Congressional Pay Raise Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (92 - 6)
6/25 S Amdt 2981 Military Closure Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (48 - 45)
1/26 S Amdt 3302 Establishing a Federal Budget Deficit Commission Amendment Rejected - Senate (53 - 46)
5/29 S Amdt 3870 Legislator Financial Disclosures Amendment Rejected - Senate (5 - 29)
3/13 S Amdt 4347 Earmark Moratorium Motion Rejected - Senate (29 - 71)
11/30 S Amdt 4697 Prohibiting Earmarks Motion Rejected - Senate (39 - 56)
6/23 S Amdt 499 Prohibits the Appointment of Presidential "Czars" Without Senate Approval Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 51)
10/20 SB 1 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
2/06 SB 1 Authorizes Legislature to Review Administrative Regulations Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 14)
8/03 SB 1006 Redistricing State Senate Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 4)
8/05 SB 1008 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
7/15 SB 1166 Limits the Governor's Emergency Powers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
5/27 SB 1177 General Assembly Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 22)
5/31 SB 1178 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 25)
12/14 SB 1249 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
5/29 SB 1253 Amends Legislative Initiative Measure Laws Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
2/25 SB 141 Allowing Increase of Penalties for Convicted Public Officials Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12)
2/12 SB 142 Increases Salary for State Legislators Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 15)
7/19 SB 148 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
7/19 SB 149 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
2/19 SB 15 Limiting Per Diem Payments to Legislators Motion Agreed - Senate (37 - 11)
5/02 SB 15 Expands Legislature's Regulatory Review Powers Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
1/19 SB 1514 State Senate Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
5/27 SB 1558 Increases Stipends for State Legislators Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
3/15 SB 18 Amends Redistricting Requirements Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 11)
2/06 SB 187 Limitations on Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
8/18 SB 1EX State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
2/02 SB 2 Increases Legislative Oversight Over Executive Orders Related to Emergencies Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
1/29 SB 2 Limits the Secretary of State's Role in Legislation Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
8/11 SB 2-A Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
2/10 SB 20 Prohibits the Use of TikTok on State Government Technology Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
3/05 SB 200 Reorganization of State Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 25)
2/17 SB 22 Authorizes the General Assembly to Repeal the Governor's Emergency Declarations Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
9/19 SB 22 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
6/22 SB 22 Establishing the Texas Congressional Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/17 SB 221 Authorizes Legislative Leaders to Intervene in Certain Court Cases Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
4/20 SB 2271 Establishes a Statement of Legislative Intent Regarding Presidential Elections Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 8)
10/31 SB 229 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
2/26 SB 240 Specifies Daily Calendars for State Elected Officials are No Longer Considered Public Government Records Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
4/04 SB 25 Authorizes Legislature to Introduce Fiscal Bills Every Year Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 24)
5/22 SB 25 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
6/25 SB 255 Appropriates Funds for Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
11/16 SB 258 Establishes Congressional District Boundaries Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
4/05 SB 27 Establishes Bipartisan Commission for Drawing Legislative Districts Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 7)
5/30 SB 274 Requires Salary Payments to State Legislators Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 18)
11/07 SB 283 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
4/25 SB 288 Authorizes the Natural Resources Commission to Designate Huntable Game Species Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
3/11 SB 3 Amends Laws Related to Declaring an Emergency Related to the Agricultural Industry Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
6/23 SB 3 State House Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
10/17 SB 3002 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 5)
9/21 SB 33 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
4/27 SB 360 Prohibits Any State Agency from Settling Certain Lawsuits Without the Approval of the General Assembly Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
2/22 SB 39 Requires Medicaid Expansion to be Approved by the Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
6/20 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
6/14 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
6/06 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
2/22 SB 40 Requires Health Care Exchanges to Be Approved by The Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
5/25 SB 426 Increases Legislative Oversight of the Regulatory Review Process Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/22 SB 439 Specifies Qualifications for Impeachment Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
7/27 SB 453 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
7/25 SB 455 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
4/06 SB 47 Authorizes Borrowing Money for Programs Approved by the State Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
6/02 SB 484 2011 Congressional Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 15)
5/10 SB 497 Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
6/29 SB 498 Legislative Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
1/13 SB 51 Legislator Pension Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
8/16 SB 512 Repeals Governor Appointment Powers Over Various State Governing Boards Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 18)
1/27 SB 52 Expands Legislative Oversight of the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
2/08 SB 531 Legislative Finance Committee Review of Confidential Information Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
2/15 SB 6562 Expanding State University Tuition Authority Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)

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