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 6061 Secure Fence Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (80 - 19)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S Amdt 5104 Military Commissions Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
Sept. 26, 2006 National HR 5631 Department Defense Appropriations Act, FY 2007 Conference Report Adopted - House (394 - 22)
Sept. 26, 2006 National N/A Motion to Resolve Into Secret Session Motion Rejected - House (171 - 217)
Sept. 21, 2006 National HR 6095 Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (277 - 140)
Sept. 21, 2006 National S 2832 Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2006 Bill Failed - House (215 - 204)
Sept. 21, 2006 National HR 6095 Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (277 - 140)
Sept. 14, 2006 National HR 6061 Secure Fence Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (283 - 138)
Sept. 13, 2006 National HR 4893 Restricting Indian Gaming to Homelands of Tribes Act Bill Failed - House (247 - 171)
Aug. 31, 2006 CA SB 1414 Health Care Requirements for Large Companies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Aug. 30, 2006 CA SB 1414 Health Care Requirements for Large Companies Bill Passed - House (41 - 37)
Aug. 28, 2006 CA AB 2536 Overtime Pay for Personal Attendants Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 31)
Aug. 28, 2006 CA AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
Aug. 28, 2006 CA AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
Aug. 24, 2006 CA AB 2108 Child Booster and Seat Belt Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 28)
Aug. 24, 2006 CA AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Aug. 24, 2006 CA AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Aug. 23, 2006 CA AB 2536 Overtime Pay for Personal Attendants Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Aug. 22, 2006 CA AB 2108 Child Booster and Seat Belt Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Aug. 22, 2006 CA SB 1248 Long-Term Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
Aug. 21, 2006 CA SB 1437 Prohibiting Discriminatory Content in Public School Curriculum Bill Passed - House (47 - 31)
Aug. 17, 2006 CA SB 1248 Long-Term Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - House (49 - 28)
Aug. 17, 2006 CA AB 2555 Wage Discrimination Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Aug. 17, 2006 CA AB 2555 Wage Discrimination Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Aug. 16, 2006 CA AB 1873 Safe Child Surrender Time Limit Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
Aug. 3, 2006 National HR 5970 Death/Estate Tax and Minimum Wage Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 42)
Aug. 2, 2006 National S Amdt 4775 Triple-Layered Fencing Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (94 - 3)
July 29, 2006 National HR 5970 Death/Estate Tax and Minimum Wage Bill Bill Passed - House (230 - 180)
July 25, 2006 NC HB 1323 Establishment of NC Innocence Inquiry Commission Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 28)
July 20, 2006 NC HB 2699 Early Childhood Vision Care Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 15)
July 19, 2006 National HR 2389 Pledge Protection Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (260 - 167)
July 19, 2006 NC HB 2699 Early Childhood Vision Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
July 18, 2006 National H J Res 88 Same-Sex Marriage Resolution Joint Resolution Failed - House (236 - 187)
July 13, 2006 National S Amdt 4659 Double-Layered Fencing Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (29 - 71)
July 12, 2006 NC SB 1289 Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Prohibited Bill Passed - House (89 - 22)
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 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 18)
July 10, 2006 CO HB 1017 Employer Verification of Employee Work Status Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
July 10, 2006 CO HB 1017 Employer Verification of Employee Work Status Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
July 10, 2006 CO HB 1023 Public Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
July 10, 2006 NC HB 2174 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
July 8, 2006 CO HB 1023 Public Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (35 - 28)
July 8, 2006 CO HB 1020 Business Deductions for Employees Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
June 30, 2006 PA SB 1090 Minimum Wage Bill Bill Passed - House (161 - 37)
June 29, 2006 MI Sub for HB 5699 Marital Counseling Bill Passed - House (73 - 32)
June 28, 2006 PA A7999 to HB 1959 English as Official Language Amendment Adopted - House (122 - 70)
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 - Senate (26 - 4)
June 22, 2006 National S 2766 Defense Department FY 2007 Authorization bill Bill Passed - Senate (96 - 0)
June 22, 2006 PA SB 1090 Minimum Wage Bill Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
June 22, 2006 National HR 4890 Line Item Veto Bill Bill Passed - House (247 - 172)
June 22, 2006 NJ A 3257 Eminent Domain and Redevelopment Programs Bill Passed - House (51 - 18)
June 21, 2006 National S Amdt 4376 Increasing Minimum Wage Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 53)
June 21, 2006 National S Amdt 4322 Minimum Wage Adjustment Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (52 - 46)
June 21, 2006 AZ SB 1430 Children, Child Protective Services Bill Failed - House (29 - 27)
June 21, 2006 AZ SB 1430 Children, Child Protective Services Bill Failed - House (29 - 27)
June 21, 2006 NY S 8446 DNA Database Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 2)
June 21, 2006 PA HB 2381 Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
June 20, 2006 MI HB 6213 Overtime Provisions Bill Passed - House (57 - 49)
June 20, 2006 National HR 5631 Defense Department FY2007 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (407 - 19)
June 16, 2006 LA HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 19)
June 16, 2006 National H Res 861 Global War on Terror Resolution Passed - House (256 - 153)
June 16, 2006 LA SB 753 Hiring of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Bill Passed - House (91 - 5)
June 16, 2006 LA HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 18)
June 15, 2006 DE HA 5 Minimum Wage Exception Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (16 - 24)
June 15, 2006 DE SB 62 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - House (26 - 14)
June 15, 2006 MD HB 2 Mandatory Sentences and Other Penalties for Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5)
June 14, 2006 SC H 3726 ATV Use Regulations Veto Override Passed - House (74 - 31)
June 14, 2006 SC H 3726 ATV Use Regulations Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 22)
June 14, 2006 LA HB 1379 Procedures for the Granting of a Divorce When There are Minor Children Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 20)
June 14, 2006 LA HB 1379 Procedures for the Granting of a Divorce When There are Minor Children Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 20)
June 12, 2006 PA HB 698 Mental Retardation Consideration in Murder Cases Bill Passed - House (169 - 28)
June 8, 2006 LA HB 144 Equal Pay Bill Bill Failed - House (40 - 54)
June 8, 2006 NC SB 1289 Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Prohibited Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
June 7, 2006 National S J Res 1 Same Sex Marriage Resolution Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 48)
June 7, 2006 National HR 5521 Legislative Branch FY 2007 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (361 - 53)
June 6, 2006 LA HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Passed - House (66 - 35)
June 6, 2006 PA HB 2381 Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (136 - 61)
June 1, 2006 CA SB 1162 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
June 1, 2006 LA SB 753 Hiring of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
June 1, 2006 LA SB 106 Labor Unions Bill Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 26)
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 S 1267 Death Penalty for Repeat Sex Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 27)
May 31, 2006 CA AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - House (49 - 31)
May 31, 2006 CA AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - House (49 - 31)
May 31, 2006 CA AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - House (48 - 32)
May 31, 2006 CA AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - House (48 - 32)
May 31, 2006 CA AB 2378 Affordable Housing Bill Bill Passed - House (49 - 27)
May 31, 2006 CA AB 2555 Wage Discrimination Penalties Bill Passed - House (48 - 32)
May 31, 2006 CA AB 2555 Wage Discrimination Penalties Bill Passed - House (48 - 32)
May 31, 2006 LA SB 700 Minimum Wage Bill Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
May 30, 2006 CA SB 1576 Transitional Housing Services for Foster Youth Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
May 30, 2006 MI HB 6085 Disclosure of Citizenship on Driver's License Bill Passed - House (76 - 27)
May 30, 2006 NC HB 2174 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - House (72 - 43)
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 26, 2006 TN HB 3402 Tennessee Minimum Wage Act Bill Passed - House (52 - 43)
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 SC Amdt 3 to S 1084 Inclusion of Unborn Child/Fetus in Definition for Civil Suits Amendment Amendment Tabled - House (65 - 31)
Date No. Title Outcome
9/29 HR 6061 Secure Fence Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (80 - 19)
9/28 S Amdt 5104 Military Commissions Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
9/26 HR 5631 Department Defense Appropriations Act, FY 2007 Conference Report Adopted - House (394 - 22)
9/26 N/A Motion to Resolve Into Secret Session Motion Rejected - House (171 - 217)
9/21 HR 6095 Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (277 - 140)
9/21 S 2832 Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2006 Bill Failed - House (215 - 204)
9/21 HR 6095 Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (277 - 140)
9/14 HR 6061 Secure Fence Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (283 - 138)
9/13 HR 4893 Restricting Indian Gaming to Homelands of Tribes Act Bill Failed - House (247 - 171)
8/31 SB 1414 Health Care Requirements for Large Companies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
8/30 SB 1414 Health Care Requirements for Large Companies Bill Passed - House (41 - 37)
8/28 AB 2536 Overtime Pay for Personal Attendants Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 31)
8/28 AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
8/28 AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
8/24 AB 2108 Child Booster and Seat Belt Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 28)
8/24 AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
8/24 AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
8/23 AB 2536 Overtime Pay for Personal Attendants Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
8/22 AB 2108 Child Booster and Seat Belt Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
8/22 SB 1248 Long-Term Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
8/21 SB 1437 Prohibiting Discriminatory Content in Public School Curriculum Bill Passed - House (47 - 31)
8/17 SB 1248 Long-Term Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - House (49 - 28)
8/17 AB 2555 Wage Discrimination Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
8/17 AB 2555 Wage Discrimination Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
8/16 AB 1873 Safe Child Surrender Time Limit Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
8/03 HR 5970 Death/Estate Tax and Minimum Wage Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 42)
8/02 S Amdt 4775 Triple-Layered Fencing Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (94 - 3)
7/29 HR 5970 Death/Estate Tax and Minimum Wage Bill Bill Passed - House (230 - 180)
7/25 HB 1323 Establishment of NC Innocence Inquiry Commission Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 28)
7/20 HB 2699 Early Childhood Vision Care Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 15)
7/19 HR 2389 Pledge Protection Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (260 - 167)
7/19 HB 2699 Early Childhood Vision Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
7/18 H J Res 88 Same-Sex Marriage Resolution Joint Resolution Failed - House (236 - 187)
7/13 S Amdt 4659 Double-Layered Fencing Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (29 - 71)
7/12 SB 1289 Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Prohibited Bill Passed - House (89 - 22)
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 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 18)
7/10 HB 1017 Employer Verification of Employee Work Status Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
7/10 HB 1017 Employer Verification of Employee Work Status Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
7/10 HB 1023 Public Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
7/10 HB 2174 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
7/08 HB 1023 Public Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (35 - 28)
7/08 HB 1020 Business Deductions for Employees Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
6/30 SB 1090 Minimum Wage Bill Bill Passed - House (161 - 37)
6/29 Sub for HB 5699 Marital Counseling Bill Passed - House (73 - 32)
6/28 A7999 to HB 1959 English as Official Language Amendment Adopted - House (122 - 70)
6/23 H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - House (49 - 15)
6/23 H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
6/22 S 2766 Defense Department FY 2007 Authorization bill Bill Passed - Senate (96 - 0)
6/22 SB 1090 Minimum Wage Bill Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
6/22 HR 4890 Line Item Veto Bill Bill Passed - House (247 - 172)
6/22 A 3257 Eminent Domain and Redevelopment Programs Bill Passed - House (51 - 18)
6/21 S Amdt 4376 Increasing Minimum Wage Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 53)
6/21 S Amdt 4322 Minimum Wage Adjustment Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (52 - 46)
6/21 SB 1430 Children, Child Protective Services Bill Failed - House (29 - 27)
6/21 SB 1430 Children, Child Protective Services Bill Failed - House (29 - 27)
6/21 S 8446 DNA Database Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 2)
6/21 HB 2381 Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
6/20 HB 6213 Overtime Provisions Bill Passed - House (57 - 49)
6/20 HR 5631 Defense Department FY2007 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (407 - 19)
6/16 HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 19)
6/16 H Res 861 Global War on Terror Resolution Passed - House (256 - 153)
6/16 SB 753 Hiring of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Bill Passed - House (91 - 5)
6/16 HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 18)
6/15 HA 5 Minimum Wage Exception Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (16 - 24)
6/15 SB 62 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - House (26 - 14)
6/15 HB 2 Mandatory Sentences and Other Penalties for Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5)
6/14 H 3726 ATV Use Regulations Veto Override Passed - House (74 - 31)
6/14 H 3726 ATV Use Regulations Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 22)
6/14 HB 1379 Procedures for the Granting of a Divorce When There are Minor Children Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 20)
6/14 HB 1379 Procedures for the Granting of a Divorce When There are Minor Children Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 20)
6/12 HB 698 Mental Retardation Consideration in Murder Cases Bill Passed - House (169 - 28)
6/08 HB 144 Equal Pay Bill Bill Failed - House (40 - 54)
6/08 SB 1289 Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Prohibited Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
6/07 S J Res 1 Same Sex Marriage Resolution Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 48)
6/07 HR 5521 Legislative Branch FY 2007 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (361 - 53)
6/06 HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Passed - House (66 - 35)
6/06 HB 2381 Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (136 - 61)
6/01 SB 1162 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
6/01 SB 753 Hiring of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
6/01 SB 106 Labor Unions Bill Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 26)
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 S 1267 Death Penalty for Repeat Sex Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 27)
5/31 AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - House (49 - 31)
5/31 AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - House (49 - 31)
5/31 AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - House (48 - 32)
5/31 AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - House (48 - 32)
5/31 AB 2378 Affordable Housing Bill Bill Passed - House (49 - 27)
5/31 AB 2555 Wage Discrimination Penalties Bill Passed - House (48 - 32)
5/31 AB 2555 Wage Discrimination Penalties Bill Passed - House (48 - 32)
5/31 SB 700 Minimum Wage Bill Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
5/30 SB 1576 Transitional Housing Services for Foster Youth Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/30 HB 6085 Disclosure of Citizenship on Driver's License Bill Passed - House (76 - 27)
5/30 HB 2174 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - House (72 - 43)
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)
5/26 HB 3402 Tennessee Minimum Wage Act Bill Passed - House (52 - 43)
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 Amdt 3 to S 1084 Inclusion of Unborn Child/Fetus in Definition for Civil Suits Amendment Amendment Tabled - House (65 - 31)

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