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
Sept. 29, 2006 National HR 5441 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2007 Conference Report Adopted - House (412 - 6)
Sept. 29, 2006 National S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (250 - 170)
Sept. 29, 2006 National S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (250 - 170)
Sept. 29, 2006 National S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (250 - 170)
Sept. 29, 2006 National HR 4772 Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (231 - 181)
Sept. 28, 2006 National HR 5825 Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act Bill Passed - House (232 - 191)
Sept. 27, 2006 National HR 6166 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (253 - 168)
Sept. 27, 2006 National HR 6166 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (253 - 168)
Sept. 26, 2006 National HR 4772 Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2005 Bill Failed - House (234 - 172)
Sept. 26, 2006 National HR 5092 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bill Passed - House (277 - 131)
Sept. 26, 2006 National HR 2679 Public Expression of Religion Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (244 - 173)
Sept. 21, 2006 National HR 6095 Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (277 - 140)
Sept. 21, 2006 National HR 6095 Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (277 - 140)
Sept. 20, 2006 National HR 4844 Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (228 - 196)
Sept. 14, 2006 National HR 6061 Secure Fence Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (283 - 138)
Aug. 31, 2006 CA SB 1578 Dog Restraint Regulations Bill Passed - House (46 - 32)
Aug. 30, 2006 CA AB 352 Microstamping of Bullets Fired from Semi-Automatic Guns Concurrence Vote Failed - House (40 - 37)
July 25, 2006 NC HB 1323 Establishment of NC Innocence Inquiry Commission Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 28)
July 19, 2006 National HR 2389 Pledge Protection Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (260 - 167)
July 13, 2006 National HR 9 Voting Rights Act Reauthorization Bill Passed - House (390 - 33)
June 29, 2006 DE SB 60 Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (24 - 14)
June 29, 2006 National HR 5672 Commerce Department Appropriations Bill FY 2006 Bill Passed - House (393 - 23)
June 29, 2006 National H Res 895 Intelligence and Law Enforcement Resolution Resolution Passed - House (227 - 183)
June 29, 2006 DE SB 60 Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (24 - 14)
June 28, 2006 National H Amdt 1156 Trigger Lock Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (230 - 191)
June 27, 2006 CA SB 1137 Sentences for Non-Violent Drug Offenders Bill Passed - House (64 - 8)
June 27, 2006 CA SB 1137 Sentences for Non-Violent Drug Offenders Bill Passed - House (64 - 8)
June 16, 2006 National H Res 861 Global War on Terror Resolution Passed - House (256 - 153)
June 13, 2006 National HR 4939 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2006 Conference Report Adopted - House (351 - 67)
June 12, 2006 PA HB 698 Mental Retardation Consideration in Murder Cases Bill Passed - House (169 - 28)
June 9, 2006 National HR 5522 Foreign Operations and Export Finance Appropriation Act Bill Passed - House (373 - 34)
June 6, 2006 PA HB 2381 Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (136 - 61)
June 6, 2006 National HR 5441 Department of Homeland Security Appropriation Act, 2007 Bill Passed - House (389 - 9)
May 31, 2006 SC S 1267 Death Penalty for Repeat Sex Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 27)
May 31, 2006 LA SB 33 Prohibits Abortion Except When Necessary to Save the Life or Health of the Woman Bill Passed - House (85 - 17)
May 31, 2006 CA AB 2076 Needle Exchange Program Bill Passed - House (45 - 34)
May 30, 2006 MI HB 6085 Disclosure of Citizenship on Driver's License Bill Passed - House (76 - 27)
May 26, 2006 OK SB 1807 Prohibiting Death Sentence For Mentally Retarded Defendant Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 5)
May 26, 2006 OK SB 1800 Death Penalty for Second Offender Sex Offenders Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 8)
May 26, 2006 OK SB 1807 Prohibiting Death Sentence For Mentally Retarded Defendant Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 5)
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)
May 25, 2006 AZ HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 22)
May 25, 2006 OH Sub HB 184 U.S. and Ohio Mottos in Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (82 - 13)
May 25, 2006 SC S 229 Cockfighting And Hog Dog Fighting Bill Passed - House (78 - 15)
May 25, 2006 SC S 1084 Penalties For Harming An Unborn Child/Fetus Bill Passed - House (81 - 18)
May 24, 2006 NH HB 656 "Do Not Resuscitate" Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (168 - 165)
May 18, 2006 MI Amend Probation and Parole Violator Welfare Restriction Amendment Adopted - House (83 - 16)
May 18, 2006 MI Amend Welfare Restrictions for Drug Felonys Amendment Adopted - House (86 - 16)
May 18, 2006 MI Amend Welfare Restrictions for Drug Felonys Amendment Adopted - House (86 - 16)
May 18, 2006 LA HB 1142 Parole Eligibility Bill Failed - House (37 - 48)
May 17, 2006 LA HB 853 Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment in State Government Bill Failed - House (38 - 58)
May 12, 2006 MO SS2 SCS HCS HB 1456 Unemployment Compensation Changes Bill Passed - House (90 - 65)
May 11, 2006 TN SB 1678 Establishing Voting Rights Guidelines for Convicted Felons Bill Passed - House (57 - 40)
May 11, 2006 TN SB 1678 Establishing Voting Rights Guidelines for Convicted Felons Bill Passed - House (57 - 40)
May 10, 2006 KS HB 2118 Conceal and Carry Conference Report Adopted - House (93 - 24)
May 10, 2006 KS HB 2118 Conceal and Carry Conference Report Adopted - House (93 - 24)
May 9, 2006 RI H 7339 Restriction on Political Surveillance Bill Passed - House (36 - 25)
May 8, 2006 NY A 8098 Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment Bill Passed - House (81 - 59)
May 8, 2006 NY A 8098 Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment Bill Passed - House (81 - 59)
May 8, 2006 NY A 8098 Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment Bill Passed - House (81 - 59)
May 5, 2006 VT H 865 Non-Discrimination Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 47)
May 4, 2006 DE HB 368 Hunting License Restrictions for Felons Bill Passed - House (21 - 14)
May 4, 2006 AK HCS CS SB 20 Offenses Against a Fetus/Unborn Child Bill Passed - House (30 - 9)
May 4, 2006 CO SB 81 Employment Nondiscrimination Expansion Bill Bill Passed - House (39 - 26)
May 4, 2006 LA HB 1010 Smoking in Motor Vehicles Ban Bill Passed - House (67 - 31)
May 4, 2006 WI SJR 5 Advisory Referendum on the Death Penalty Joint Resolution Passed - House (47 - 45)
May 4, 2006 DE HB 368 Hunting License Restrictions for Felons Bill Passed - House (21 - 14)
May 3, 2006 CO HB 1125 Seat Belt Enforcement Bill Bill Failed - House (32 - 32)
May 2, 2006 HI SB 3262 Smoking Ban Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (47 - 3)
May 2, 2006 CO HB 1100 Prescription Drug Discount Program Bill Failed - House (30 - 35)
May 1, 2006 TN HA 1232 Sexual Orientation Amendment Adopted - House (55 - 32)
April 27, 2006 ME LD 1938 Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77)
April 27, 2006 ME LD 1938 Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77)
April 27, 2006 CO HB 1315 Juvenile Criminal Parole Act Bill Passed - House (44 - 21)
April 26, 2006 OK SB 1434 Prescription Drug Reimportation Act Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
April 26, 2006 OK SB 1742 Abortion Information Requirements and Changes to the Definition of Homicide Bill Passed - House (84 - 5)
April 26, 2006 NH SB 318 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (193 - 134)
April 26, 2006 NH SB 318 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (193 - 134)
April 25, 2006 MI Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
April 25, 2006 MI Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
April 25, 2006 MI Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
April 24, 2006 CT Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Bill Passed - House (79 - 64)
April 20, 2006 AZ SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Passed - House (34 - 23)
April 20, 2006 OR HB 3511 Minimum Sentence for Some First-Degree Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (54 - 6)
April 19, 2006 VA HB 493 High School Baccalaureate Ceremonies Veto Override Failed - House (60 - 36)
April 19, 2006 VA HB 1106 Possession of Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (61 - 36)
April 17, 2006 CT HB 5212 News Media Information Protection Bill Passed - House (107 - 34)
April 17, 2006 OK HCS SB 806 Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations Bill Passed - House (70 - 28)
April 17, 2006 OK HCS SB 806 Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations Bill Passed - House (70 - 28)
April 17, 2006 AZ SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Failed - House (25 - 30)
April 13, 2006 CO HB 1314 Prohibiting Forced Exposure to Employer’s Religious or Political Speech Bill Passed - House (33 - 32)
April 12, 2006 MO HA 9 Eminent Domain Amendment Rejected - House (23 - 129)
April 12, 2006 AZ HB 2142 Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 21)
April 12, 2006 AZ HB 2074 Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 19)
April 11, 2006 VA Amdt Item 391-4h New Anti-Gang Initiatives Funding Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 36)
April 11, 2006 AZ SB 1444 Sentencing; Third Felony Offenses Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
April 6, 2006 AZ SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - House (38 - 19)
April 6, 2006 MO HJR 39 Prayer in Public Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (134 - 19)
April 6, 2006 AZ SB 1425 Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (45 - 12)
April 6, 2006 AZ SB 1425 Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (45 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
9/29 HR 5441 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2007 Conference Report Adopted - House (412 - 6)
9/29 S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (250 - 170)
9/29 S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (250 - 170)
9/29 S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (250 - 170)
9/29 HR 4772 Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (231 - 181)
9/28 HR 5825 Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act Bill Passed - House (232 - 191)
9/27 HR 6166 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (253 - 168)
9/27 HR 6166 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (253 - 168)
9/26 HR 4772 Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2005 Bill Failed - House (234 - 172)
9/26 HR 5092 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bill Passed - House (277 - 131)
9/26 HR 2679 Public Expression of Religion Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (244 - 173)
9/21 HR 6095 Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (277 - 140)
9/21 HR 6095 Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (277 - 140)
9/20 HR 4844 Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (228 - 196)
9/14 HR 6061 Secure Fence Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (283 - 138)
8/31 SB 1578 Dog Restraint Regulations Bill Passed - House (46 - 32)
8/30 AB 352 Microstamping of Bullets Fired from Semi-Automatic Guns Concurrence Vote Failed - House (40 - 37)
7/25 HB 1323 Establishment of NC Innocence Inquiry Commission Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 28)
7/19 HR 2389 Pledge Protection Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (260 - 167)
7/13 HR 9 Voting Rights Act Reauthorization Bill Passed - House (390 - 33)
6/29 SB 60 Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (24 - 14)
6/29 HR 5672 Commerce Department Appropriations Bill FY 2006 Bill Passed - House (393 - 23)
6/29 H Res 895 Intelligence and Law Enforcement Resolution Resolution Passed - House (227 - 183)
6/29 SB 60 Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (24 - 14)
6/28 H Amdt 1156 Trigger Lock Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (230 - 191)
6/27 SB 1137 Sentences for Non-Violent Drug Offenders Bill Passed - House (64 - 8)
6/27 SB 1137 Sentences for Non-Violent Drug Offenders Bill Passed - House (64 - 8)
6/16 H Res 861 Global War on Terror Resolution Passed - House (256 - 153)
6/13 HR 4939 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2006 Conference Report Adopted - House (351 - 67)
6/12 HB 698 Mental Retardation Consideration in Murder Cases Bill Passed - House (169 - 28)
6/09 HR 5522 Foreign Operations and Export Finance Appropriation Act Bill Passed - House (373 - 34)
6/06 HB 2381 Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (136 - 61)
6/06 HR 5441 Department of Homeland Security Appropriation Act, 2007 Bill Passed - House (389 - 9)
5/31 S 1267 Death Penalty for Repeat Sex Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 27)
5/31 SB 33 Prohibits Abortion Except When Necessary to Save the Life or Health of the Woman Bill Passed - House (85 - 17)
5/31 AB 2076 Needle Exchange Program Bill Passed - House (45 - 34)
5/30 HB 6085 Disclosure of Citizenship on Driver's License Bill Passed - House (76 - 27)
5/26 SB 1807 Prohibiting Death Sentence For Mentally Retarded Defendant Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 5)
5/26 SB 1800 Death Penalty for Second Offender Sex Offenders Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 8)
5/26 SB 1807 Prohibiting Death Sentence For Mentally Retarded Defendant Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 5)
5/25 Amdt 3 to S 1084 Inclusion of Unborn Child/Fetus in Definition for Civil Suits Amendment Amendment Tabled - House (65 - 31)
5/25 HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 22)
5/25 Sub HB 184 U.S. and Ohio Mottos in Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (82 - 13)
5/25 S 229 Cockfighting And Hog Dog Fighting Bill Passed - House (78 - 15)
5/25 S 1084 Penalties For Harming An Unborn Child/Fetus Bill Passed - House (81 - 18)
5/24 HB 656 "Do Not Resuscitate" Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (168 - 165)
5/18 Amend Probation and Parole Violator Welfare Restriction Amendment Adopted - House (83 - 16)
5/18 Amend Welfare Restrictions for Drug Felonys Amendment Adopted - House (86 - 16)
5/18 Amend Welfare Restrictions for Drug Felonys Amendment Adopted - House (86 - 16)
5/18 HB 1142 Parole Eligibility Bill Failed - House (37 - 48)
5/17 HB 853 Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment in State Government Bill Failed - House (38 - 58)
5/12 SS2 SCS HCS HB 1456 Unemployment Compensation Changes Bill Passed - House (90 - 65)
5/11 SB 1678 Establishing Voting Rights Guidelines for Convicted Felons Bill Passed - House (57 - 40)
5/11 SB 1678 Establishing Voting Rights Guidelines for Convicted Felons Bill Passed - House (57 - 40)
5/10 HB 2118 Conceal and Carry Conference Report Adopted - House (93 - 24)
5/10 HB 2118 Conceal and Carry Conference Report Adopted - House (93 - 24)
5/09 H 7339 Restriction on Political Surveillance Bill Passed - House (36 - 25)
5/08 A 8098 Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment Bill Passed - House (81 - 59)
5/08 A 8098 Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment Bill Passed - House (81 - 59)
5/08 A 8098 Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment Bill Passed - House (81 - 59)
5/05 H 865 Non-Discrimination Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 47)
5/04 HB 368 Hunting License Restrictions for Felons Bill Passed - House (21 - 14)
5/04 HCS CS SB 20 Offenses Against a Fetus/Unborn Child Bill Passed - House (30 - 9)
5/04 SB 81 Employment Nondiscrimination Expansion Bill Bill Passed - House (39 - 26)
5/04 HB 1010 Smoking in Motor Vehicles Ban Bill Passed - House (67 - 31)
5/04 SJR 5 Advisory Referendum on the Death Penalty Joint Resolution Passed - House (47 - 45)
5/04 HB 368 Hunting License Restrictions for Felons Bill Passed - House (21 - 14)
5/03 HB 1125 Seat Belt Enforcement Bill Bill Failed - House (32 - 32)
5/02 SB 3262 Smoking Ban Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (47 - 3)
5/02 HB 1100 Prescription Drug Discount Program Bill Failed - House (30 - 35)
5/01 HA 1232 Sexual Orientation Amendment Adopted - House (55 - 32)
4/27 LD 1938 Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77)
4/27 LD 1938 Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77)
4/27 HB 1315 Juvenile Criminal Parole Act Bill Passed - House (44 - 21)
4/26 SB 1434 Prescription Drug Reimportation Act Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
4/26 SB 1742 Abortion Information Requirements and Changes to the Definition of Homicide Bill Passed - House (84 - 5)
4/26 SB 318 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (193 - 134)
4/26 SB 318 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (193 - 134)
4/25 Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
4/25 Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
4/25 Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
4/24 Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Bill Passed - House (79 - 64)
4/20 SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Passed - House (34 - 23)
4/20 HB 3511 Minimum Sentence for Some First-Degree Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (54 - 6)
4/19 HB 493 High School Baccalaureate Ceremonies Veto Override Failed - House (60 - 36)
4/19 HB 1106 Possession of Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (61 - 36)
4/17 HB 5212 News Media Information Protection Bill Passed - House (107 - 34)
4/17 HCS SB 806 Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations Bill Passed - House (70 - 28)
4/17 HCS SB 806 Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations Bill Passed - House (70 - 28)
4/17 SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Failed - House (25 - 30)
4/13 HB 1314 Prohibiting Forced Exposure to Employer’s Religious or Political Speech Bill Passed - House (33 - 32)
4/12 HA 9 Eminent Domain Amendment Rejected - House (23 - 129)
4/12 HB 2142 Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 21)
4/12 HB 2074 Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 19)
4/11 Amdt Item 391-4h New Anti-Gang Initiatives Funding Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 36)
4/11 SB 1444 Sentencing; Third Felony Offenses Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
4/06 SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - House (38 - 19)
4/06 HJR 39 Prayer in Public Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (134 - 19)
4/06 SB 1425 Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (45 - 12)
4/06 SB 1425 Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (45 - 12)

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