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
March 7, 2006 KS Amend HB 2615 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (63 - 58)
April 13, 2006 NE LB 239 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
April 13, 2006 NE LB 239 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
Feb. 2, 2006 VA Sub HB 262 College Admission for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (67 - 33)
Jan. 11, 2006 MA H 1230 In State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Failed - House (57 - 96)
Feb. 14, 2006 GA HCS HB 1238 Requirements for Wiring Money Bill Passed - House (106 - 60)
April 27, 2006 CA SCR 113 The Great American Boycott 2006 Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
March 24, 2006 CO HB 1010 Requiring Legislative Approval Before Entering International Trade Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
March 16, 2006 IA HF 2671 Undocumented Immigrants Restrictions Bill Passed - House (69 - 25)
April 20, 2006 MO HB 1864 College Admission of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (119 - 30)
March 6, 2006 AZ SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
March 6, 2006 AZ SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
March 6, 2006 AZ SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
March 23, 2006 GA HCS SB 529 Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Bill Passed - House (123 - 51)
April 26, 2006 AZ SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 10)
April 27, 2006 MO HCS HB 1814 English as the State’s Official Language Bill Passed - House (122 - 30)
Feb. 14, 2006 VA Sub HB 1048 Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
Feb. 23, 2006 WI SB 567 Limit Public Assistance to Citizens or Legal Residents of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
May 4, 2006 WI SB 567 Limit Public Assistance to Citizens or Legal Residents of the United States Bill Passed - House (51 - 42)
Feb. 1, 2006 NH HB 345 Photo ID for Voting Bill Passed - House (211 - 149)
April 13, 2006 NH HB 345 Photo ID for Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
May 22, 2006 CA AJR 51 Endorsing Federal Amendments to Immigration Law Joint Resolution Passed - House (43 - 27)
March 27, 2006 GA CCS SB 529 Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 16)
March 28, 2006 GA CCS SB 529 Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Conference Report Adopted - House (119 - 49)
Jan. 24, 2006 AZ HB 2002 English Language Learners; Structured English Immersion Models; Budget Requests Bill Passed - House (33 - 23)
Jan. 24, 2006 AZ HB 2002 English Language Learners; Structured English Immersion Models; Budget Requests Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
March 2, 2006 AZ HB 2064 English Language Learners Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 13)
May 25, 2006 AZ HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9)
May 25, 2006 AZ HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 22)
May 16, 2006 AZ HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
March 9, 2006 AZ HB 2577 Immigration Policy; Forgery; Employment; Licensing Bill Passed - House (35 - 20)
March 9, 2006 AZ HB 2701 National Guard Mobilization; Border; Appropriation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 21)
March 7, 2006 AZ HB 2701 National Guard Mobilization; Border; Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
April 6, 2006 AZ SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - House (38 - 19)
April 6, 2006 AZ SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - House (38 - 19)
April 6, 2006 AZ SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - House (38 - 19)
March 6, 2006 AZ SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency. Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
May 16, 2006 MI HB 5633 English as the Official Language Bill Bill Passed - House (73 - 32)
May 5, 2006 CO SB 234 Public Construction Bidding Act Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
May 2, 2006 TX HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
April 24, 2006 TX HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - House (80 - 68)
March 8, 2006 GA SCS SB 529 Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 13)
April 6, 2006 AZ SB 1425 Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (45 - 12)
Feb. 8, 2006 KY HB 163 State Request for Federal Drug Importation Bill Passed - House (58 - 35)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 19)
May 24, 2006 MA H 4479 MassHealth Immigrant Eligibility Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
April 25, 2006 MI Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
Feb. 6, 2006 VA Sub SB 313 DMV Reporting Requirements for Non-citizens Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 14, 2006 VA Sub SB 677 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
April 19, 2006 TN SB 303 Driver's License Examination English Language Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
Feb. 2, 2006 VA HB 1050 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
March 14, 2006 OK HCS HB 3119 Voter ID, Repealing Tuition Assistance, and Reporting of Illegal Immigrants Bill Passed - House (63 - 24)
Feb. 21, 2006 MO SCS SB 578 Funeral Protests Prohibition Bill Passed - House (139 - 17)
March 21, 2006 OH HCR 36 Apportioning U.S. House Seats Resolution Passed - House (71 - 23)
June 1, 2006 LA SB 753 Hiring of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
June 16, 2006 LA SB 753 Hiring of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Bill Passed - House (91 - 5)
June 1, 2006 CA SB 1160 Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
May 31, 2006 SC H 4938 State Guard Emergency Air Wing Veto Override Failed - Senate (29 - 15)
May 31, 2006 SC H 4938 State Guard Emergency Air Wing Veto Override Failed - Senate (29 - 15)
July 8, 2006 CO HB 1023 Public Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (35 - 28)
July 10, 2006 CO HB 1023 Public Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
July 10, 2006 CO HB 1017 Employer Verification of Employee Work Status Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 18)
July 10, 2006 CO HB 1017 Employer Verification of Employee Work Status Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
May 30, 2006 MI HB 6085 Disclosure of Citizenship on Driver's License Bill Passed - House (76 - 27)
July 8, 2006 CO HB 1020 Business Deductions for Employees Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
June 28, 2006 PA A7999 to HB 1959 English as Official Language Amendment Adopted - House (122 - 70)
June 6, 2006 MI HB 5143 "Self-Defense Act" Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Jan. 31, 2007 UT HB 224 Repeal of Exemptions from Nonresident Tuition Motion Rejected - House (36 - 38)
March 16, 2006 National S Con Res 83 2007 Budget Resolution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
May 4, 2000 National HR 434 Africa Free Trade bill Conference Report Adopted - House (309 - 110)
May 11, 2000 National HR 434 Africa Free Trade bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (77 - 19)
Nov. 3, 1999 National HR 434 Africa Free Trade bill Bill Passed - Senate (76 - 19)
Oct. 3, 2000 National S 2045 American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act, 2000 Bill Passed - Senate (96 - 1)
Sept. 17, 1998 National HR 4569 Appropriations Bill FY99, Foreign Operations Bill Passed - House (255 - 161)
Sept. 17, 1998 National HR 4569 Appropriations Bill FY99, Foreign Operations Bill Passed - House (255 - 161)
Sept. 17, 1998 National HR 4569 Appropriations Bill FY99, Foreign Operations Bill Passed - House (255 - 161)
Sept. 17, 1998 National HR 4569 Appropriations Bill FY99, Foreign Operations Bill Passed - House (255 - 161)
April 30, 1996 National HR 1561 Authorization bill, FY96-97, Foreign Relations Veto Override Failed - House (234 - 188)
April 30, 1996 National HR 1561 Authorization bill, FY96-97, Foreign Relations Veto Override Failed - House (234 - 188)
Jan. 3, 1996 National HR 1530 Authorization bill FY96, Defense Department Veto Override Passed - House (240 - 156)
Jan. 3, 1996 National HR 1530 Authorization bill FY96, Defense Department Veto Override Passed - House (240 - 156)
Jan. 26, 1996 National S 1124 Authorization bill FY96, Defense Department Conference Report Adopted - Senate (56 - 34)
Jan. 26, 1996 National S 1124 Authorization bill FY96, Defense Department Conference Report Adopted - Senate (56 - 34)
Jan. 24, 1996 National S 1124 Authorization bill FY96, Defense Department Conference Report Adopted - House (287 - 129)
Jan. 24, 1996 National S 1124 Authorization bill FY96, Defense Department Conference Report Adopted - House (287 - 129)
May 25, 1993 National S J Res 45 Authorization for Use of U.S. Armed Forces in Somalia Bill Passed - House (243 - 179)
April 28, 2005 National H Con Res 95 Budget FY2006 Appropriations Resolution Conference Report Adopted - House (214 - 211)
April 28, 2005 National H Con Res 95 Budget FY2006 Appropriations Resolution Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 47)
Sept. 6, 2006 National S Amdt 4882 Cluster Munitions Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (30 - 70)
April 17, 1996 National S 735 Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (91 - 8)
April 17, 1996 National S 735 Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (91 - 8)
April 18, 1996 National S 735 Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act Conference Report Adopted - House (293 - 133)
April 18, 1996 National S 735 Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act Conference Report Adopted - House (293 - 133)
May 25, 2006 National S Amdt 4097 Confidentiality Requirement Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (49 - 49)
Nov. 7, 2003 National HR 1588 Defense Department FY2004 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - House (362 - 40)
Nov. 7, 2003 National HR 1588 Defense Department FY2004 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - House (362 - 40)
Nov. 12, 2003 National HR 1588 Defense Department FY2004 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (95 - 3)
Dec. 19, 2005 National HR 1815 Defense Department FY2006 Authorization Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 41)
Dec. 19, 2005 National HR 1815 Defense Department FY2006 Authorization Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 41)
June 20, 2006 National HR 5631 Defense Department FY2007 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (407 - 19)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/07 Amend HB 2615 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (63 - 58)
4/13 LB 239 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
4/13 LB 239 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
2/02 Sub HB 262 College Admission for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (67 - 33)
1/11 H 1230 In State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Failed - House (57 - 96)
2/14 HCS HB 1238 Requirements for Wiring Money Bill Passed - House (106 - 60)
4/27 SCR 113 The Great American Boycott 2006 Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
3/24 HB 1010 Requiring Legislative Approval Before Entering International Trade Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
3/16 HF 2671 Undocumented Immigrants Restrictions Bill Passed - House (69 - 25)
4/20 HB 1864 College Admission of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (119 - 30)
3/06 SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
3/06 SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
3/06 SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
3/23 HCS SB 529 Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Bill Passed - House (123 - 51)
4/26 SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 10)
4/27 HCS HB 1814 English as the State’s Official Language Bill Passed - House (122 - 30)
2/14 Sub HB 1048 Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
2/23 SB 567 Limit Public Assistance to Citizens or Legal Residents of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
5/04 SB 567 Limit Public Assistance to Citizens or Legal Residents of the United States Bill Passed - House (51 - 42)
2/01 HB 345 Photo ID for Voting Bill Passed - House (211 - 149)
4/13 HB 345 Photo ID for Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
5/22 AJR 51 Endorsing Federal Amendments to Immigration Law Joint Resolution Passed - House (43 - 27)
3/27 CCS SB 529 Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 16)
3/28 CCS SB 529 Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Conference Report Adopted - House (119 - 49)
1/24 HB 2002 English Language Learners; Structured English Immersion Models; Budget Requests Bill Passed - House (33 - 23)
1/24 HB 2002 English Language Learners; Structured English Immersion Models; Budget Requests Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
3/02 HB 2064 English Language Learners Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 13)
5/25 HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9)
5/25 HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 22)
5/16 HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
3/09 HB 2577 Immigration Policy; Forgery; Employment; Licensing Bill Passed - House (35 - 20)
3/09 HB 2701 National Guard Mobilization; Border; Appropriation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 21)
3/07 HB 2701 National Guard Mobilization; Border; Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
4/06 SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - House (38 - 19)
4/06 SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - House (38 - 19)
4/06 SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - House (38 - 19)
3/06 SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency. Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
5/16 HB 5633 English as the Official Language Bill Bill Passed - House (73 - 32)
5/05 SB 234 Public Construction Bidding Act Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
5/02 HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
4/24 HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - House (80 - 68)
3/08 SCS SB 529 Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 13)
4/06 SB 1425 Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (45 - 12)
2/08 HB 163 State Request for Federal Drug Importation Bill Passed - House (58 - 35)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 19)
5/24 H 4479 MassHealth Immigrant Eligibility Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
4/25 Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
2/06 Sub SB 313 DMV Reporting Requirements for Non-citizens Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/14 Sub SB 677 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
4/19 SB 303 Driver's License Examination English Language Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
2/02 HB 1050 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
3/14 HCS HB 3119 Voter ID, Repealing Tuition Assistance, and Reporting of Illegal Immigrants Bill Passed - House (63 - 24)
2/21 SCS SB 578 Funeral Protests Prohibition Bill Passed - House (139 - 17)
3/21 HCR 36 Apportioning U.S. House Seats Resolution Passed - House (71 - 23)
6/01 SB 753 Hiring of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
6/16 SB 753 Hiring of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Bill Passed - House (91 - 5)
6/01 SB 1160 Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
5/31 H 4938 State Guard Emergency Air Wing Veto Override Failed - Senate (29 - 15)
5/31 H 4938 State Guard Emergency Air Wing Veto Override Failed - Senate (29 - 15)
7/08 HB 1023 Public Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (35 - 28)
7/10 HB 1023 Public Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
7/10 HB 1017 Employer Verification of Employee Work Status Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 18)
7/10 HB 1017 Employer Verification of Employee Work Status Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
5/30 HB 6085 Disclosure of Citizenship on Driver's License Bill Passed - House (76 - 27)
7/08 HB 1020 Business Deductions for Employees Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
6/28 A7999 to HB 1959 English as Official Language Amendment Adopted - House (122 - 70)
6/06 HB 5143 "Self-Defense Act" Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
1/31 HB 224 Repeal of Exemptions from Nonresident Tuition Motion Rejected - House (36 - 38)
3/16 S Con Res 83 2007 Budget Resolution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
5/04 HR 434 Africa Free Trade bill Conference Report Adopted - House (309 - 110)
5/11 HR 434 Africa Free Trade bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (77 - 19)
11/03 HR 434 Africa Free Trade bill Bill Passed - Senate (76 - 19)
10/03 S 2045 American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act, 2000 Bill Passed - Senate (96 - 1)
9/17 HR 4569 Appropriations Bill FY99, Foreign Operations Bill Passed - House (255 - 161)
9/17 HR 4569 Appropriations Bill FY99, Foreign Operations Bill Passed - House (255 - 161)
9/17 HR 4569 Appropriations Bill FY99, Foreign Operations Bill Passed - House (255 - 161)
9/17 HR 4569 Appropriations Bill FY99, Foreign Operations Bill Passed - House (255 - 161)
4/30 HR 1561 Authorization bill, FY96-97, Foreign Relations Veto Override Failed - House (234 - 188)
4/30 HR 1561 Authorization bill, FY96-97, Foreign Relations Veto Override Failed - House (234 - 188)
1/03 HR 1530 Authorization bill FY96, Defense Department Veto Override Passed - House (240 - 156)
1/03 HR 1530 Authorization bill FY96, Defense Department Veto Override Passed - House (240 - 156)
1/26 S 1124 Authorization bill FY96, Defense Department Conference Report Adopted - Senate (56 - 34)
1/26 S 1124 Authorization bill FY96, Defense Department Conference Report Adopted - Senate (56 - 34)
1/24 S 1124 Authorization bill FY96, Defense Department Conference Report Adopted - House (287 - 129)
1/24 S 1124 Authorization bill FY96, Defense Department Conference Report Adopted - House (287 - 129)
5/25 S J Res 45 Authorization for Use of U.S. Armed Forces in Somalia Bill Passed - House (243 - 179)
4/28 H Con Res 95 Budget FY2006 Appropriations Resolution Conference Report Adopted - House (214 - 211)
4/28 H Con Res 95 Budget FY2006 Appropriations Resolution Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 47)
9/06 S Amdt 4882 Cluster Munitions Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (30 - 70)
4/17 S 735 Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (91 - 8)
4/17 S 735 Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (91 - 8)
4/18 S 735 Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act Conference Report Adopted - House (293 - 133)
4/18 S 735 Comprehensive Terrorism Prevention Act Conference Report Adopted - House (293 - 133)
5/25 S Amdt 4097 Confidentiality Requirement Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (49 - 49)
11/07 HR 1588 Defense Department FY2004 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - House (362 - 40)
11/07 HR 1588 Defense Department FY2004 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - House (362 - 40)
11/12 HR 1588 Defense Department FY2004 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (95 - 3)
12/19 HR 1815 Defense Department FY2006 Authorization Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 41)
12/19 HR 1815 Defense Department FY2006 Authorization Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 41)
6/20 HR 5631 Defense Department FY2007 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (407 - 19)

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