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
June 6, 2007 ME LD 203 Student Voter Registration Bill "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (90 - 49)
June 12, 2009 ME LD 977 Repealing School District Consolidation "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (74 - 69)
June 12, 2009 ME LD 977 Repealing School District Consolidation "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (74 - 69)
April 21, 2010 NH SB 489 Gambling Expansion "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (212 - 158)
March 28, 2007 NH HB 774 Medical Marijuana "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (186 - 177)
March 4, 2009 NH HCR 6 Resolution Regarding States' Rights "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (216 - 150)
June 23, 2006 RI H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - House (49 - 15)
June 23, 2006 RI H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - House (49 - 15)
June 6, 2006 RI H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 23)
June 6, 2006 RI H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 23)
May 21, 2008 SC H 3816 Bankruptcy Exemptions Veto Override Passed - House (78 - 26)
June 19, 2007 SC S 99 Presidential Primaries Conducted by the State Election Commission Veto Override Passed - House (87 - 18)
June 19, 2007 SC S 99 Presidential Primaries Conducted by the State Election Commission Veto Override Passed - House (87 - 18)
Feb. 5, 1998 National HR 2631 Line Item Veto Cancellation bill Veto Override Passed - House (347 - 69)
Sept. 30, 1992 National HR 5318 Conditional Extension of Most-Favored-Nation Trade Status to China Veto Override Passed - House (345 - 74)
Oct. 3, 2007 IL HB 664 Homeowner Tax Exemption Veto Override Passed - House (92 - 19)
Feb. 25, 2008 MN HF 2800 2009-2010 Transportation Budget Veto Override Passed - House (91 - 41)
March 11, 2009 SD HB 1197 Tax Changes Relating to Single Family Dwellings Under Construction Veto Override Passed - House (60 - 10)
May 20, 2009 SC H 3560 2009-2010 Budget Veto Override Passed - House (98 - 19)
April 30, 2009 AL HB 175 Permitting Elections in Smaller Municipalities on Allowing Alcohol Veto Override Passed - House (54 - 19)
June 2, 2009 VT H 441 2009-2010 Budget Veto Override Passed - House (100 - 50)
April 8, 2006 MD HB 1674 Restrictions on Campaign Fund-Raising Activities by Members of the Board of Regents Veto Override Passed - House (88 - 49)
April 4, 2007 VA HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - House (83 - 16)
March 17, 2008 SD HB 1233 Government Spending Database Veto Override Passed - House (61 - 8)
July 20, 2009 CT HB 6582 Healthcare Partnership Veto Override Passed - House (105 - 37)
July 20, 2009 CT HB 6600 SustiNet Health Insurance Plan Veto Override Passed - House (102 - 40)
Aug. 10, 2009 AK HB 199 Federal Funds Appropriations Veto Override Passed - House (30 - 9)
March 17, 2008 SD HB 1233 Government Spending Database Veto Override Passed - House (61 - 8)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - House (82 - 18)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Passed - House (79 - 21)
April 21, 2006 AR SB 16 Science Specialist Program Funding Line Item Veto Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 13)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 19)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (147 - 10)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 20)
June 14, 2006 SC H 4810 2006-2007 Budget Veto Override Passed - House (99 - 13)
June 14, 2006 MD SB 52 Maryland Transportation Authority Veto Override Passed - House (94 - 42)
April 8, 2006 MD HB 1368 Election Changes Veto Override Passed - House (93 - 45)
March 20, 2007 AL HJR 29 State Legislature Pay Increase Veto Override Passed - House (57 - 41)
March 28, 2007 ID H 81 Income Tax Credit for Food Veto Override Passed - House (48 - 22)
Oct. 21, 2008 SC H Amdt 11 to H 5300 Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. Funding Amendment Tabled - House (66 - 50)
Oct. 21, 2008 SC H Amdt 20 to H 5300 Repealing Property Tax Exemption Amendment Tabled - House (98 - 17)
March 29, 2007 SC Amendment No. 8 School Tuition Tax Credit Amendment Tabled - House (70 - 49)
March 30, 2006 National H Res 746 Jack Abramoff Investigation Resolution Resolution Tabled - House (216 - 193)
June 27, 1996 National H Res 468 Investigation of Speaker Newt Gingrich Resolution Tabled - House (229 - 170)
Feb. 26, 2008 WI A Amnd. 1 Divestment Due to Genocide Amendment Amendment Tabled - House (50 - 47)
March 29, 2006 SC Amendment 63 Cigarette Tax Amendment Tabled - House (58 - 53)
May 25, 2006 SC Amdt 3 to S 1084 Inclusion of Unborn Child/Fetus in Definition for Civil Suits Amendment Amendment Tabled - House (65 - 31)
April 16, 2008 NH HR 24 Impeachment Petition Resolution Tabled - House (227 - 95)
April 16, 2008 NH HR 24 Impeachment Petition Resolution Tabled - House (227 - 95)
April 16, 2008 NH HR 24 Impeachment Petition Resolution Tabled - House (227 - 95)
May 21, 2008 SC H Amdt 7A To Reduce Income Tax Amendment Tabled - House (68 - 52)
May 21, 2008 SC H Amdt 4A Cigarette Tax for Small Business Employee Health Care Amendment Tabled - House (60 - 58)
May 21, 2008 SC H Amdt 3A Cigarette Tax Increase for Employee Health Care Amendment Tabled - House (67 - 51)
March 27, 2007 SC Amendment No. 23 Remove the Transportation Commission Amendment Tabled - House (71 - 36)
Sept. 17, 2009 National HR 3221 Prohibiting Federal Assistance to ACORN Motion Agreed - House (345 - 75)
April 11, 2006 VA Amdt Item 462-4h Central Appropriations Amendment Adopted - House (60 - 35)
June 19, 2006 RI Article 24 to H 7120 Sub A Article 24 Relating to Tuition Tax Credits Motion Agreed - House (62 - 8)
March 15, 2007 KS Amend HB 2542 Presidential Primary Funding Amendment Adopted - House (85 - 34)
March 15, 2007 KS Amend HB 2542 Presidential Primary Funding Amendment Adopted - House (85 - 34)
March 29, 2007 TX F 64 Pay Raise for Public School Employees Amendment Adopted - House (90 - 56)
July 14, 1994 National H Amdt 755 Federal Land Appraisals Amendment Adopted - House (281 - 148)
Feb. 10, 1994 National H Amdt 436 Bryant Amendment to Independent Counsel Reauthorization Act of 1993 Amendment Adopted - House (230 - 188)
June 16, 1994 National H Amdt 645 Interstate Commerce Commission Funding Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 192)
June 15, 2007 RI Article 22 of H5300A Classifying Seventeen Year-Olds as Adults in Criminal Cases Amendment Adopted - House (48 - 19)
June 6, 2007 ME HCA T Education Reform and School Consolidation Amendment Adopted - House (114 - 27)
June 20, 1996 National H Amdt 1190 Tribal Land Trust Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (212 - 206)
May 8, 2008 National HR 3221 Housing-Related Tax Provision Amendments Amendment Adopted - House (322 - 94)
Jan. 30, 2009 WY Amdt 2002 to HB 31 Allowing Counties and Municipalities to Opt Out of Smoking Ban Amendment Adopted - House (41 - 18)
Nov. 22, 1993 National H Amdt 415 Sabo Amendment to the Government Reform and Savings Act of 1993 Amendment Adopted - House (277 - 153)
Nov. 11, 2007 AK AM 1 Standard Deduction Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (21 - 19)
March 11, 2009 SC H 3560 2009-2010 Budget Motion Agreed - House (71 - 43)
Feb. 28, 1996 National H Amdt 935 Dairy Program Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (258 - 164)
Nov. 11, 2007 AK AM 8 Oil and Gas Production Tax Increase Amendment Adopted - House (26 - 14)
June 30, 1993 National H Amdt 188 DC's Domestic Partners Ordinance Amendment Adopted - House (253 - 167)
Jan. 22, 2008 IN Amnd. 72 School Construction Exemption Amendment Adopted - House (49 - 44)
March 15, 2006 OH Amdt. HB 9 Concealed Weapons Permit Disclosure Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (51 - 43)
Sept. 20, 1995 National H Amdt 814 Drinking and Driving Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (223 - 203)
July 16, 1998 National H Amdt 723 Increase FEC Funding Amendment Adopted - House (214 - 210)
June 9, 1994 National H Amdt 611 Lifting Arms Embargo on Bosnia Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (244 - 178)
March 7, 1996 National H Amdt 947 Lobby Disclosure Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (211 - 209)
March 20, 1996 National H Amdt 969 Denying Public Education to Undocumented Immigrants Amendment Adopted - House (257 - 163)
Aug. 3, 1998 National H Amdt 690 Shays Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (237 - 186)
June 17, 1999 National H Amdt 200 Ten Commandments Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (248 - 180)
June 7, 2000 National H Amdt 745 San Rafael Swell Area Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (212 - 211)
March 12, 2008 MA DeLeo Amdt Legislative Committee Chair Pay Raises Amendment Adopted - House (126 - 20)
July 6, 2009 NC SB 870 Making General Statutes Gender Neutral Motion Agreed - House (79 - 33)
March 12, 2008 MA DeLeo Amdt Legislative Committee Chair Pay Raises Amendment Adopted - House (126 - 20)
Feb. 26, 2008 IN Amnd. 2 Permitting Lawsuits for Injuries Caused by Hazardous Substances Amendment Adopted - House (52 - 45)
Oct. 7, 2009 National H Res 805 Removing Rep. Charles Rangel as Chairman of House Committee on Ways and Means Motion Agreed - House (246 - 153)
June 16, 2006 LA SB 382 Gift Ban on Cultural and Sporting Events for Elected Officials Motion Agreed - House (49 - 43)
March 20, 2008 MA H 4920 to 4307 Establishing and Regulating Casinos Amendment Adopted - House (106 - 48)
May 26, 2006 TN HA 1609 to HB 1114 Primary Election Regulations Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (48 - 45)
May 26, 2006 TN HA 1609 to HB 1114 Primary Election Regulations Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (48 - 45)
April 27, 2006 MA C Amdt "H" Local Education Funding Study Bill Amendment Adopted - House (144 - 13)
March 19, 2008 GA Fleming AM 29 0700 Amending Capital Punishment Sentencing Procedures Amendment Adopted - House (100 - 66)
March 20, 2008 KS SB 461 Electronic Wage Reports and Reimbursement Payments Motion Agreed - House (63 - 58)
March 27, 2008 MN Seifert Amendment: Breaches of Insurance Policy Amendment Adopted - House (80 - 52)
April 28, 2008 MN Walker Amdt to SF 3001 Sex Education in Schools Amendment Adopted - House (79 - 53)
March 7, 2006 VA Amendment LeBlanc Nomination Amendment Adopted - House (55 - 42)
June 28, 2006 PA A7999 to HB 1959 English as Official Language Amendment Adopted - House (122 - 70)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/06 LD 203 Student Voter Registration Bill "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (90 - 49)
6/12 LD 977 Repealing School District Consolidation "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (74 - 69)
6/12 LD 977 Repealing School District Consolidation "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (74 - 69)
4/21 SB 489 Gambling Expansion "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (212 - 158)
3/28 HB 774 Medical Marijuana "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (186 - 177)
3/04 HCR 6 Resolution Regarding States' Rights "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (216 - 150)
6/23 H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - House (49 - 15)
6/23 H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - House (49 - 15)
6/06 H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 23)
6/06 H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 23)
5/21 H 3816 Bankruptcy Exemptions Veto Override Passed - House (78 - 26)
6/19 S 99 Presidential Primaries Conducted by the State Election Commission Veto Override Passed - House (87 - 18)
6/19 S 99 Presidential Primaries Conducted by the State Election Commission Veto Override Passed - House (87 - 18)
2/05 HR 2631 Line Item Veto Cancellation bill Veto Override Passed - House (347 - 69)
9/30 HR 5318 Conditional Extension of Most-Favored-Nation Trade Status to China Veto Override Passed - House (345 - 74)
10/03 HB 664 Homeowner Tax Exemption Veto Override Passed - House (92 - 19)
2/25 HF 2800 2009-2010 Transportation Budget Veto Override Passed - House (91 - 41)
3/11 HB 1197 Tax Changes Relating to Single Family Dwellings Under Construction Veto Override Passed - House (60 - 10)
5/20 H 3560 2009-2010 Budget Veto Override Passed - House (98 - 19)
4/30 HB 175 Permitting Elections in Smaller Municipalities on Allowing Alcohol Veto Override Passed - House (54 - 19)
6/02 H 441 2009-2010 Budget Veto Override Passed - House (100 - 50)
4/08 HB 1674 Restrictions on Campaign Fund-Raising Activities by Members of the Board of Regents Veto Override Passed - House (88 - 49)
4/04 HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - House (83 - 16)
3/17 HB 1233 Government Spending Database Veto Override Passed - House (61 - 8)
7/20 HB 6582 Healthcare Partnership Veto Override Passed - House (105 - 37)
7/20 HB 6600 SustiNet Health Insurance Plan Veto Override Passed - House (102 - 40)
8/10 HB 199 Federal Funds Appropriations Veto Override Passed - House (30 - 9)
3/17 HB 1233 Government Spending Database Veto Override Passed - House (61 - 8)
4/04 Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - House (82 - 18)
4/04 Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Passed - House (79 - 21)
4/21 SB 16 Science Specialist Program Funding Line Item Veto Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 13)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 19)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (147 - 10)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 20)
6/14 H 4810 2006-2007 Budget Veto Override Passed - House (99 - 13)
6/14 SB 52 Maryland Transportation Authority Veto Override Passed - House (94 - 42)
4/08 HB 1368 Election Changes Veto Override Passed - House (93 - 45)
3/20 HJR 29 State Legislature Pay Increase Veto Override Passed - House (57 - 41)
3/28 H 81 Income Tax Credit for Food Veto Override Passed - House (48 - 22)
10/21 H Amdt 11 to H 5300 Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. Funding Amendment Tabled - House (66 - 50)
10/21 H Amdt 20 to H 5300 Repealing Property Tax Exemption Amendment Tabled - House (98 - 17)
3/29 Amendment No. 8 School Tuition Tax Credit Amendment Tabled - House (70 - 49)
3/30 H Res 746 Jack Abramoff Investigation Resolution Resolution Tabled - House (216 - 193)
6/27 H Res 468 Investigation of Speaker Newt Gingrich Resolution Tabled - House (229 - 170)
2/26 A Amnd. 1 Divestment Due to Genocide Amendment Amendment Tabled - House (50 - 47)
3/29 Amendment 63 Cigarette Tax Amendment Tabled - House (58 - 53)
5/25 Amdt 3 to S 1084 Inclusion of Unborn Child/Fetus in Definition for Civil Suits Amendment Amendment Tabled - House (65 - 31)
4/16 HR 24 Impeachment Petition Resolution Tabled - House (227 - 95)
4/16 HR 24 Impeachment Petition Resolution Tabled - House (227 - 95)
4/16 HR 24 Impeachment Petition Resolution Tabled - House (227 - 95)
5/21 H Amdt 7A To Reduce Income Tax Amendment Tabled - House (68 - 52)
5/21 H Amdt 4A Cigarette Tax for Small Business Employee Health Care Amendment Tabled - House (60 - 58)
5/21 H Amdt 3A Cigarette Tax Increase for Employee Health Care Amendment Tabled - House (67 - 51)
3/27 Amendment No. 23 Remove the Transportation Commission Amendment Tabled - House (71 - 36)
9/17 HR 3221 Prohibiting Federal Assistance to ACORN Motion Agreed - House (345 - 75)
4/11 Amdt Item 462-4h Central Appropriations Amendment Adopted - House (60 - 35)
6/19 Article 24 to H 7120 Sub A Article 24 Relating to Tuition Tax Credits Motion Agreed - House (62 - 8)
3/15 Amend HB 2542 Presidential Primary Funding Amendment Adopted - House (85 - 34)
3/15 Amend HB 2542 Presidential Primary Funding Amendment Adopted - House (85 - 34)
3/29 F 64 Pay Raise for Public School Employees Amendment Adopted - House (90 - 56)
7/14 H Amdt 755 Federal Land Appraisals Amendment Adopted - House (281 - 148)
2/10 H Amdt 436 Bryant Amendment to Independent Counsel Reauthorization Act of 1993 Amendment Adopted - House (230 - 188)
6/16 H Amdt 645 Interstate Commerce Commission Funding Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 192)
6/15 Article 22 of H5300A Classifying Seventeen Year-Olds as Adults in Criminal Cases Amendment Adopted - House (48 - 19)
6/06 HCA T Education Reform and School Consolidation Amendment Adopted - House (114 - 27)
6/20 H Amdt 1190 Tribal Land Trust Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (212 - 206)
5/08 HR 3221 Housing-Related Tax Provision Amendments Amendment Adopted - House (322 - 94)
1/30 Amdt 2002 to HB 31 Allowing Counties and Municipalities to Opt Out of Smoking Ban Amendment Adopted - House (41 - 18)
11/22 H Amdt 415 Sabo Amendment to the Government Reform and Savings Act of 1993 Amendment Adopted - House (277 - 153)
11/11 AM 1 Standard Deduction Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (21 - 19)
3/11 H 3560 2009-2010 Budget Motion Agreed - House (71 - 43)
2/28 H Amdt 935 Dairy Program Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (258 - 164)
11/11 AM 8 Oil and Gas Production Tax Increase Amendment Adopted - House (26 - 14)
6/30 H Amdt 188 DC's Domestic Partners Ordinance Amendment Adopted - House (253 - 167)
1/22 Amnd. 72 School Construction Exemption Amendment Adopted - House (49 - 44)
3/15 Amdt. HB 9 Concealed Weapons Permit Disclosure Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (51 - 43)
9/20 H Amdt 814 Drinking and Driving Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (223 - 203)
7/16 H Amdt 723 Increase FEC Funding Amendment Adopted - House (214 - 210)
6/09 H Amdt 611 Lifting Arms Embargo on Bosnia Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (244 - 178)
3/07 H Amdt 947 Lobby Disclosure Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (211 - 209)
3/20 H Amdt 969 Denying Public Education to Undocumented Immigrants Amendment Adopted - House (257 - 163)
8/03 H Amdt 690 Shays Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (237 - 186)
6/17 H Amdt 200 Ten Commandments Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (248 - 180)
6/07 H Amdt 745 San Rafael Swell Area Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (212 - 211)
3/12 DeLeo Amdt Legislative Committee Chair Pay Raises Amendment Adopted - House (126 - 20)
7/06 SB 870 Making General Statutes Gender Neutral Motion Agreed - House (79 - 33)
3/12 DeLeo Amdt Legislative Committee Chair Pay Raises Amendment Adopted - House (126 - 20)
2/26 Amnd. 2 Permitting Lawsuits for Injuries Caused by Hazardous Substances Amendment Adopted - House (52 - 45)
10/07 H Res 805 Removing Rep. Charles Rangel as Chairman of House Committee on Ways and Means Motion Agreed - House (246 - 153)
6/16 SB 382 Gift Ban on Cultural and Sporting Events for Elected Officials Motion Agreed - House (49 - 43)
3/20 H 4920 to 4307 Establishing and Regulating Casinos Amendment Adopted - House (106 - 48)
5/26 HA 1609 to HB 1114 Primary Election Regulations Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (48 - 45)
5/26 HA 1609 to HB 1114 Primary Election Regulations Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (48 - 45)
4/27 C Amdt "H" Local Education Funding Study Bill Amendment Adopted - House (144 - 13)
3/19 Fleming AM 29 0700 Amending Capital Punishment Sentencing Procedures Amendment Adopted - House (100 - 66)
3/20 SB 461 Electronic Wage Reports and Reimbursement Payments Motion Agreed - House (63 - 58)
3/27 Seifert Amendment: Breaches of Insurance Policy Amendment Adopted - House (80 - 52)
4/28 Walker Amdt to SF 3001 Sex Education in Schools Amendment Adopted - House (79 - 53)
3/07 Amendment LeBlanc Nomination Amendment Adopted - House (55 - 42)
6/28 A7999 to HB 1959 English as Official Language Amendment Adopted - House (122 - 70)

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