Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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.


Page 1 of 2
results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Dec. 7, 2006 National PN 1396 Andrew von Eschenbach, Commissioner of Food and Drugs Nomination Confirmed - Senate (80 - 11)
Dec. 7, 2006 National PN 1396 Andrew von Eschenbach, Commissioner of Food and Drugs Nomination Confirmed - Senate (80 - 11)
Aug. 31, 2006 CA SB 1379 Biomonitoring Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Aug. 31, 2006 CA SB 1379 Biomonitoring Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Aug. 31, 2006 CA SB 1414 Health Care Requirements for Large Companies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Aug. 30, 2006 CA AB 32 Greenhouse Gases Emission Limits Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
Aug. 30, 2006 CA AB 2076 Needle Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Aug. 30, 2006 CA AB 2076 Needle Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Aug. 29, 2006 CA AB 1953 Amount of Lead in Plumbing Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Aug. 29, 2006 CA AB 2496 Water Conservation: Low-Flush Water Closet Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
Aug. 3, 2006 National HR 5970 Death/Estate Tax and Minimum Wage Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 42)
Aug. 1, 2006 National S 3711 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (71 - 25)
July 25, 2006 National S Amdt 4689 Teen Pregnancy Education Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 51)
July 19, 2006 NC HB 2699 Early Childhood Vision Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
July 18, 2006 NC HB 2873 Drinking Water From Private Wells Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
July 18, 2006 National HR 810 Stem Cell Research Bill of 2005 Bill Passed - Senate (63 - 37)
July 18, 2006 NC HB 2873 Drinking Water From Private Wells Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
July 13, 2006 MA H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
July 13, 2006 MA H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
July 8, 2006 NJ A 4707 Luxury and Fuel Inefficient Automobiles Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
July 8, 2006 NJ A 4705 Tobacco Tax Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
June 27, 2006 CA SB 1137 Sentences for Non-Violent Drug Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
June 8, 2006 AK CCS SB 2001 Oil and Gas Tax (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 6)
June 7, 2006 MA H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
June 7, 2006 MA H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
June 6, 2006 AK HCS CS SB 2001 Oil and Gas Tax (Special Session) Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (8 - 12)
June 1, 2006 CA SB 1675 Renewable Diesel Fuel Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
May 30, 2006 CA SB 1796 Overhaul Flood and Levee Board Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 25, 2006 KS SB 528 Abortion and Live Birth Reporting Veto Override Failed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 24, 2006 MA H 4479 MassHealth Immigrant Eligibility Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
May 24, 2006 ME HCA A to LD 1845 Dirigo Health Insurance Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (16 - 17)
May 24, 2006 OK SB 1713 Trafficking Illegal Drugs Conference Report Rejected - Senate (23 - 24)
May 23, 2006 MI Sub for HB 5453 Changes to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
May 22, 2006 AK CSSB 2001 Oil and Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
May 20, 2006 MN SF 762 Clean Water Legacy Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 12)
May 18, 2006 NJ S 1471 Cigarette Tax Securitization Proceeds Fund; Stem Cell and Biomedical Research Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
May 17, 2006 TN SA 1505 Medical Malpractice Limits Amendment Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 16)
May 11, 2006 CA AB 813 Medi-Cal: Emergency Drug Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
May 10, 2006 TX F 4 Cigarette Tax Revenue Allocation Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (10 - 20)
May 10, 2006 TX F 3 Cigarette Tax Revenue Allocation Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (12 - 18)
May 9, 2006 LA SB 655 Remediation for Oil and Gas Sites Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
May 5, 2006 VT H 861 Health Care Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 4)
May 4, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
May 4, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
May 3, 2006 National S Amdt 3688 Influenza Vaccine Injury Compensation Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (53 - 46)
May 3, 2006 IA HF 2540 2006-2007 Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 2)
May 3, 2006 KS SB 528 Abortion and Live Birth Reporting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 15)
May 3, 2006 IA SF 2377 Confinement Feeding Operations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
May 3, 2006 WI AB 414 Smoking Ban Expansion Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
May 3, 2006 OK HCS SB 806 Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 15)
May 2, 2006 VT S 18 Genetically Modified Seed Liability Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 8)
May 2, 2006 HI HB 3115 Gasoline Industry Controls Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
May 2, 2006 HI SB 3262 Smoking Ban Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
May 1, 2006 CO SB 227 Healthcare Disclosure Act Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
April 27, 2006 CO SB 138 Ethanol Requirement Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
April 25, 2006 WI AB 4 Tax Deduction for Health Savings Account Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
April 20, 2006 NH HB 1673 Reduction of Mercury Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 2)
April 20, 2006 CT Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
April 20, 2006 OR SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
April 20, 2006 MO SS SCS SB 1236 Dam and Reservoir Safety Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 4)
April 14, 2006 VT H 861 Health Care Bill Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 3)
April 11, 2006 HI HB 1242 Intentional Termination of Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
April 11, 2006 AZ HB 2142 Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
April 6, 2006 NH HB 1177 Smoking Ban "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
April 4, 2006 AZ HB 2254 Requiring Doctors to Inform Women of Fetal Pain Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
April 3, 2006 MN SF 2734 Sales Tax Dedicated to the Environment and the Arts Constitutional Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (42 - 22)
March 31, 2006 CO HB 1212 Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Emergency Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 31, 2006 MD SB 154 Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and Additional Emission Caps Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 11)
March 30, 2006 ID H 800 Water Rights Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 21)
March 30, 2006 IL HB 5284 Carbon Monoxide Detector Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
March 29, 2006 CO HB 1249 Authorizing Minors to Approve Perinatal Care for Their Own Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
March 28, 2006 OH Am Sub SB 265 Air Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
March 28, 2006 OH Am Sub SB 265 Air Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
March 28, 2006 MD SB 297 Pharmacists Dispensing Emergency Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 24)
March 27, 2006 MD Amendment 3929 to SB 297 Prohibiting Requirement of Pharmacist to Dispense Emergency Contraception Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 28)
March 27, 2006 ME LD 1926 Amending Work Place Smoking Laws Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 21)
March 24, 2006 MD SB 257 Little Blackwater River Golf Course Conservation Bill Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 27)
March 24, 2006 CO HB 1056 Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
March 20, 2006 ID S 1393 Biodegradable Fuel Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 23)
March 20, 2006 ID H 544 Irrigation Voting Procedure Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
March 20, 2006 PA HB 213 Ecoterrorism Bill Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
March 16, 2006 NH SB 343 Emergency Contraceptives Bill "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
March 16, 2006 National S Amdt 3103 Natural Resources and Environment Funding Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 49)
March 16, 2006 CO HB 1175 Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
March 16, 2006 National S Con Res 83 2007 Budget Resolution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
March 16, 2006 National S Con Res 83 2007 Budget Resolution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
March 15, 2006 MD Amendment 553220 Needle Exchange Funding Prohibition Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 32)
March 15, 2006 MD Amendment 553220 Needle Exchange Funding Prohibition Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 32)
March 15, 2006 MD Amendment 503528 to SB 110 Funding to Family Planning Programs Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (18 - 29)
March 14, 2006 AZ SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 14, 2006 AL SB 352 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
March 14, 2006 AZ SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 9, 2006 WI ASA 3 Ethanol Bill Motion Agreed - Senate (17 - 15)
March 8, 2006 WA 2nd Sub HB 2572 Health Insurance for Small Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
March 8, 2006 MS HB 1089 Wildlife Feeding Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 12)
March 8, 2006 AZ SB 1356 Air Pollutant Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
March 8, 2006 AZ SB 1356 Air Pollutant Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
March 7, 2006 WI AB 1073 Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Caps Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
March 6, 2006 OK SB 1434 Prescription Drug Reimportation Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
March 6, 2006 OK SB 1434 Prescription Drug Reimportation Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/07 PN 1396 Andrew von Eschenbach, Commissioner of Food and Drugs Nomination Confirmed - Senate (80 - 11)
12/07 PN 1396 Andrew von Eschenbach, Commissioner of Food and Drugs Nomination Confirmed - Senate (80 - 11)
8/31 SB 1379 Biomonitoring Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
8/31 SB 1379 Biomonitoring Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
8/31 SB 1414 Health Care Requirements for Large Companies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
8/30 AB 32 Greenhouse Gases Emission Limits Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
8/30 AB 2076 Needle Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
8/30 AB 2076 Needle Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
8/29 AB 1953 Amount of Lead in Plumbing Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
8/29 AB 2496 Water Conservation: Low-Flush Water Closet Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
8/03 HR 5970 Death/Estate Tax and Minimum Wage Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 42)
8/01 S 3711 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (71 - 25)
7/25 S Amdt 4689 Teen Pregnancy Education Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 51)
7/19 HB 2699 Early Childhood Vision Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
7/18 HB 2873 Drinking Water From Private Wells Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
7/18 HR 810 Stem Cell Research Bill of 2005 Bill Passed - Senate (63 - 37)
7/18 HB 2873 Drinking Water From Private Wells Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
7/13 H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
7/13 H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
7/08 A 4707 Luxury and Fuel Inefficient Automobiles Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
7/08 A 4705 Tobacco Tax Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
6/27 SB 1137 Sentences for Non-Violent Drug Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
6/08 CCS SB 2001 Oil and Gas Tax (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 6)
6/07 H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
6/07 H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
6/06 HCS CS SB 2001 Oil and Gas Tax (Special Session) Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (8 - 12)
6/01 SB 1675 Renewable Diesel Fuel Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
5/30 SB 1796 Overhaul Flood and Levee Board Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/25 SB 528 Abortion and Live Birth Reporting Veto Override Failed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/24 H 4479 MassHealth Immigrant Eligibility Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
5/24 HCA A to LD 1845 Dirigo Health Insurance Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (16 - 17)
5/24 SB 1713 Trafficking Illegal Drugs Conference Report Rejected - Senate (23 - 24)
5/23 Sub for HB 5453 Changes to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
5/22 CSSB 2001 Oil and Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
5/20 SF 762 Clean Water Legacy Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 12)
5/18 S 1471 Cigarette Tax Securitization Proceeds Fund; Stem Cell and Biomedical Research Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
5/17 SA 1505 Medical Malpractice Limits Amendment Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 16)
5/11 AB 813 Medi-Cal: Emergency Drug Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
5/10 F 4 Cigarette Tax Revenue Allocation Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (10 - 20)
5/10 F 3 Cigarette Tax Revenue Allocation Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (12 - 18)
5/09 SB 655 Remediation for Oil and Gas Sites Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
5/05 H 861 Health Care Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 4)
5/04 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
5/04 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
5/03 S Amdt 3688 Influenza Vaccine Injury Compensation Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (53 - 46)
5/03 HF 2540 2006-2007 Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 2)
5/03 SB 528 Abortion and Live Birth Reporting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 15)
5/03 SF 2377 Confinement Feeding Operations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
5/03 AB 414 Smoking Ban Expansion Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
5/03 HCS SB 806 Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 15)
5/02 S 18 Genetically Modified Seed Liability Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 8)
5/02 HB 3115 Gasoline Industry Controls Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
5/02 SB 3262 Smoking Ban Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
5/01 SB 227 Healthcare Disclosure Act Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
4/27 SB 138 Ethanol Requirement Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
4/25 AB 4 Tax Deduction for Health Savings Account Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
4/20 HB 1673 Reduction of Mercury Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 2)
4/20 Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
4/20 SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
4/20 SS SCS SB 1236 Dam and Reservoir Safety Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 4)
4/14 H 861 Health Care Bill Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 3)
4/11 HB 1242 Intentional Termination of Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
4/11 HB 2142 Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
4/06 HB 1177 Smoking Ban "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
4/04 HB 2254 Requiring Doctors to Inform Women of Fetal Pain Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
4/03 SF 2734 Sales Tax Dedicated to the Environment and the Arts Constitutional Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (42 - 22)
3/31 HB 1212 Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Emergency Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/31 SB 154 Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and Additional Emission Caps Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 11)
3/30 H 800 Water Rights Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 21)
3/30 HB 5284 Carbon Monoxide Detector Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
3/29 HB 1249 Authorizing Minors to Approve Perinatal Care for Their Own Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
3/28 Am Sub SB 265 Air Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
3/28 Am Sub SB 265 Air Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
3/28 SB 297 Pharmacists Dispensing Emergency Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 24)
3/27 Amendment 3929 to SB 297 Prohibiting Requirement of Pharmacist to Dispense Emergency Contraception Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 28)
3/27 LD 1926 Amending Work Place Smoking Laws Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 21)
3/24 SB 257 Little Blackwater River Golf Course Conservation Bill Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 27)
3/24 HB 1056 Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
3/20 S 1393 Biodegradable Fuel Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 23)
3/20 H 544 Irrigation Voting Procedure Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
3/20 HB 213 Ecoterrorism Bill Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
3/16 SB 343 Emergency Contraceptives Bill "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
3/16 S Amdt 3103 Natural Resources and Environment Funding Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 49)
3/16 HB 1175 Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
3/16 S Con Res 83 2007 Budget Resolution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
3/16 S Con Res 83 2007 Budget Resolution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
3/15 Amendment 553220 Needle Exchange Funding Prohibition Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 32)
3/15 Amendment 553220 Needle Exchange Funding Prohibition Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 32)
3/15 Amendment 503528 to SB 110 Funding to Family Planning Programs Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (18 - 29)
3/14 SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/14 SB 352 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
3/14 SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/09 ASA 3 Ethanol Bill Motion Agreed - Senate (17 - 15)
3/08 2nd Sub HB 2572 Health Insurance for Small Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
3/08 HB 1089 Wildlife Feeding Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 12)
3/08 SB 1356 Air Pollutant Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
3/08 SB 1356 Air Pollutant Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
3/07 AB 1073 Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Caps Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
3/06 SB 1434 Prescription Drug Reimportation Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
3/06 SB 1434 Prescription Drug Reimportation Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)

Page 1 of 2
arrow_upward