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
April 2, 2009 MN Ending Prohibition on New Nuclear Power Plants Amendment Adopted - Senate (42 - 24)
April 30, 2009 MN Ending Prohibition on New Nuclear Power Plant Construction Amendment Rejected - House (60 - 72)
April 30, 2009 MN Ending Prohibition on New Nuclear Power Plant Construction Amendment Rejected - House (60 - 72)
April 2, 2009 MN Ending Prohibition on New Nuclear Power Plants Amendment Adopted - Senate (42 - 24)
June 8, 2009 NY A 1867 Amending Labor Laws for Farm Workers Bill Passed - House (86 - 58)
June 25, 2009 NJ A2653 Fur Labeling Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 27)
May 21, 2009 NJ A 3372 Wages in Board of Public Utilities Construction Projects Bill Passed - House (54 - 22)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 3372 Wages in Board of Public Utilities Construction Projects Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 3901 Issuing Bonds for Conservation and Preservation Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 3901 Issuing Bonds for Conservation and Preservation Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
June 26, 2009 WI AB 281 Phosphorus in Cleaning Products Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
June 3, 2009 CA AB 49 Water Conservation Requirements Bill Passed - House (43 - 30)
June 3, 2009 CA AB 49 Water Conservation Requirements Bill Passed - House (43 - 30)
June 1, 2009 CA AB 920 Solar Power Energy Credit Bill Passed - House (51 - 26)
June 1, 2009 CA AB 920 Solar Power Energy Credit Bill Passed - House (51 - 26)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 23 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Oil Drilling Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 23 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Oil Drilling Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
April 20, 2009 CA AJR 3 Statement of Opposition to Offshore Drilling Joint Resolution Passed - House (43 - 25)
April 20, 2009 CA AJR 3 Statement of Opposition to Offshore Drilling Joint Resolution Passed - House (43 - 25)
April 7, 2009 ID H 138 Allowing Lawsuits for Nonnative Species Attacks Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
April 7, 2009 ID H 138 Allowing Lawsuits for Nonnative Species Attacks Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
April 7, 2009 ID H 276 2009-2010 Department of Environmental Quality Budget Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
May 6, 2009 VT H 436 Nuclear Plant Decommisioning Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 52)
May 1, 2009 VT H 436 Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Fund Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
March 27, 2009 VT H 436 Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Fund Amendments Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
May 7, 2009 VT H 446 Renewable Energy Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (91 - 49)
May 7, 2009 VT H 446 Renewable Energy Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (91 - 49)
May 5, 2009 VT H 446 Renewable Energy Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
May 5, 2009 VT H 446 Renewable Energy Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
April 22, 2009 VT H 446 Renewable Energy Amendments Bill Passed - House (88 - 44)
April 22, 2009 VT H 446 Renewable Energy Amendments Bill Passed - House (88 - 44)
June 4, 2009 RI H 5336 Coastal Resources Management Council Bill Passed - House (60 - 8)
June 4, 2009 RI H 5336 Coastal Resources Management Council Bill Passed - House (60 - 8)
Feb. 2, 2009 SD HB 1004 Legalizing the Killing of Threatening Mountain Lions Bill Passed - House (37 - 32)
June 2, 2009 WV HB 103 Alternative and Renewable Energy Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 25)
June 2, 2009 WV HB 103 Alternative and Renewable Energy Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 25)
Jan. 22, 2009 MS HB 1090 Increasing Public Utilities Staff Oversight Bill Passed - House (64 - 53)
April 27, 2009 FL HB 1219 Permitting Offshore Drilling Bill Passed - House (70 - 43)
April 27, 2009 FL HB 1219 Permitting Offshore Drilling Bill Passed - House (70 - 43)
April 22, 2009 OK HB 1332 Increased Regulation of Pet Breeders Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
March 4, 2009 OK HB 1332 Increased Regulation of Pet Breeders Bill Passed - House (74 - 26)
April 25, 2009 WA HB 1614 Oil Importation Fee for Storm Water Pollution Cleanup Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
April 25, 2009 WA HB 1614 Oil Importation Fee for Storm Water Pollution Cleanup Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
Feb. 25, 2009 IN HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
Feb. 25, 2009 IN HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
March 3, 2009 UT HB 187 Restricting Access to Public Waters on Private Property Bill Failed - House (34 - 41)
Aug. 10, 2009 AK HB 199 Federal Funds Appropriations Veto Override Passed - House (30 - 9)
Aug. 10, 2009 AK HB 199 Federal Funds Appropriations Veto Override Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
March 5, 2009 KS HB 2014 Allowing Coal Power Plants Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
March 5, 2009 KS HB 2014 Allowing Coal Power Plants Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 27, 2009 KS HB 2014 Allowing Coal Power Plants Bill Passed - House (79 - 44)
Feb. 27, 2009 KS HB 2014 Allowing Coal Power Plants Bill Passed - House (79 - 44)
June 24, 2009 OR HB 2186 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
June 24, 2009 OR HB 2186 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
May 8, 2009 OR HB 2186 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (32 - 28)
May 8, 2009 OR HB 2186 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (32 - 28)
March 20, 2009 KS HB 2295 Dairy Labeling Requirements Bill Passed - House (75 - 44)
May 8, 2009 KS HB 2369 Renewable Energy Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 18)
May 8, 2009 KS HB 2369 Renewable Energy Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 18)
June 26, 2009 OR HB 2472 Renewable Energy Tax Credit Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 2)
June 25, 2009 OR HB 2472 Renewable Energy Tax Credit Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (39 - 21)
Feb. 11, 2009 WY HB 32 Gray Wolf Management Plan Amendments Bill Failed - House (7 - 52)
June 22, 2009 OR HB 3298 Creating a Water Management Plan Concurrence Vote Passed - House (31 - 28)
June 12, 2009 OR HB 3298 Creating a Water Management Plan Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
June 23, 2009 OR HB 3300 Promoting Green Jobs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
June 17, 2009 OR HB 3300 Promoting Green Jobs Bill Passed - House (42 - 16)
June 23, 2009 OR HB 3300 Promoting Green Jobs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
June 17, 2009 OR HB 3300 Promoting Green Jobs Bill Passed - House (42 - 16)
June 26, 2009 OR HB 3369 Water Development Bill Passed - House (43 - 16)
June 29, 2009 OR HB 3369 Water Development Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
March 9, 2009 UT HB 379 Environmental Lawsuit Delay Bond Bill Passed - House (52 - 22)
Feb. 25, 2009 MT HB 418 Amendments Regarding Horse Slaughterhouses Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
March 20, 2009 MT HB 418 Amendments Regarding Horse Slaughterhouses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
Jan. 20, 2009 MT HB 62 Mandatory Trapper Education Course Bill Passed - House (51 - 48)
April 29, 2009 CT HB 6636 Clean Energy Fund and Electricity Provider Bill Bill Passed - House (104 - 38)
May 8, 2009 MN HF 1231 2010-2011 Cultural and Outdoor Resources Budget Bill Passed - House (78 - 51)
March 25, 2009 National HR 146 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (285 - 140)
March 25, 2009 National HR 146 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (285 - 140)
March 19, 2009 National HR 146 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Passed - Senate (77 - 20)
March 19, 2009 National HR 146 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Passed - Senate (77 - 20)
June 26, 2009 National HR 2454 Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade") Bill Passed - House (219 - 212)
June 26, 2009 National HR 2454 Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade") Bill Passed - House (219 - 212)
June 9, 2009 National HR 2751 Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act Bill Passed - House (298 - 119)
Oct. 29, 2009 National HR 2996 Continuing Appropriations Extension and 2009-2010 Department of Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, and Related Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (247 - 178)
Oct. 29, 2009 National HR 2996 Continuing Appropriations Extension and 2009-2010 Department of Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, and Related Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (72 - 28)
Oct. 8, 2009 National HR 2997 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (76 - 22)
Oct. 7, 2009 National HR 2997 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Conference Report Adopted - House (263 - 162)
July 31, 2009 National HR 3435 Supplemental Appropriations for the "Cash for Clunkers" Program Bill Passed - House (316 - 109)
Aug. 6, 2009 National HR 3435 Supplemental Appropriations for the "Cash for Clunkers" Program Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 37)
Feb. 27, 2009 NE LB 5 Trapping In Rights-of-Way Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
April 8, 2009 ME LD 67 Prohibiting Smoking at State Park Beaches Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
March 5, 2009 ID S 1119 Allowing Public Utility Assistance Programs Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
March 11, 2009 National S 22 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Failed - House (282 - 144)
Jan. 15, 2009 National S 22 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Passed - Senate (73 - 21)
Jan. 15, 2009 National S 22 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Passed - Senate (73 - 21)
March 11, 2009 National S 22 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Failed - House (282 - 144)
June 25, 2009 NJ S 702 Promoting Purchase of Energy-Efficient Homes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 25, 2009 NJ S 702 Promoting Purchase of Energy-Efficient Homes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 18, 2009 NC SB 1018 Reducing the Use of Plastic Bags Bill Passed - House (78 - 41)
June 9, 2009 WI SB 107 Electronics Sale and Disposal Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/02 Ending Prohibition on New Nuclear Power Plants Amendment Adopted - Senate (42 - 24)
4/30 Ending Prohibition on New Nuclear Power Plant Construction Amendment Rejected - House (60 - 72)
4/30 Ending Prohibition on New Nuclear Power Plant Construction Amendment Rejected - House (60 - 72)
4/02 Ending Prohibition on New Nuclear Power Plants Amendment Adopted - Senate (42 - 24)
6/08 A 1867 Amending Labor Laws for Farm Workers Bill Passed - House (86 - 58)
6/25 A2653 Fur Labeling Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 27)
5/21 A 3372 Wages in Board of Public Utilities Construction Projects Bill Passed - House (54 - 22)
6/25 A 3372 Wages in Board of Public Utilities Construction Projects Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
6/25 A 3901 Issuing Bonds for Conservation and Preservation Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
6/25 A 3901 Issuing Bonds for Conservation and Preservation Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
6/26 AB 281 Phosphorus in Cleaning Products Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
6/03 AB 49 Water Conservation Requirements Bill Passed - House (43 - 30)
6/03 AB 49 Water Conservation Requirements Bill Passed - House (43 - 30)
6/01 AB 920 Solar Power Energy Credit Bill Passed - House (51 - 26)
6/01 AB 920 Solar Power Energy Credit Bill Passed - House (51 - 26)
7/24 ABX4 23 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Oil Drilling Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
7/24 ABX4 23 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Oil Drilling Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
4/20 AJR 3 Statement of Opposition to Offshore Drilling Joint Resolution Passed - House (43 - 25)
4/20 AJR 3 Statement of Opposition to Offshore Drilling Joint Resolution Passed - House (43 - 25)
4/07 H 138 Allowing Lawsuits for Nonnative Species Attacks Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
4/07 H 138 Allowing Lawsuits for Nonnative Species Attacks Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
4/07 H 276 2009-2010 Department of Environmental Quality Budget Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
5/06 H 436 Nuclear Plant Decommisioning Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 52)
5/01 H 436 Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Fund Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
3/27 H 436 Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Fund Amendments Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
5/07 H 446 Renewable Energy Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (91 - 49)
5/07 H 446 Renewable Energy Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (91 - 49)
5/05 H 446 Renewable Energy Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
5/05 H 446 Renewable Energy Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
4/22 H 446 Renewable Energy Amendments Bill Passed - House (88 - 44)
4/22 H 446 Renewable Energy Amendments Bill Passed - House (88 - 44)
6/04 H 5336 Coastal Resources Management Council Bill Passed - House (60 - 8)
6/04 H 5336 Coastal Resources Management Council Bill Passed - House (60 - 8)
2/02 HB 1004 Legalizing the Killing of Threatening Mountain Lions Bill Passed - House (37 - 32)
6/02 HB 103 Alternative and Renewable Energy Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 25)
6/02 HB 103 Alternative and Renewable Energy Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 25)
1/22 HB 1090 Increasing Public Utilities Staff Oversight Bill Passed - House (64 - 53)
4/27 HB 1219 Permitting Offshore Drilling Bill Passed - House (70 - 43)
4/27 HB 1219 Permitting Offshore Drilling Bill Passed - House (70 - 43)
4/22 HB 1332 Increased Regulation of Pet Breeders Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
3/04 HB 1332 Increased Regulation of Pet Breeders Bill Passed - House (74 - 26)
4/25 HB 1614 Oil Importation Fee for Storm Water Pollution Cleanup Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
4/25 HB 1614 Oil Importation Fee for Storm Water Pollution Cleanup Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
2/25 HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
2/25 HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
3/03 HB 187 Restricting Access to Public Waters on Private Property Bill Failed - House (34 - 41)
8/10 HB 199 Federal Funds Appropriations Veto Override Passed - House (30 - 9)
8/10 HB 199 Federal Funds Appropriations Veto Override Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
3/05 HB 2014 Allowing Coal Power Plants Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
3/05 HB 2014 Allowing Coal Power Plants Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/27 HB 2014 Allowing Coal Power Plants Bill Passed - House (79 - 44)
2/27 HB 2014 Allowing Coal Power Plants Bill Passed - House (79 - 44)
6/24 HB 2186 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
6/24 HB 2186 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
5/08 HB 2186 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (32 - 28)
5/08 HB 2186 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (32 - 28)
3/20 HB 2295 Dairy Labeling Requirements Bill Passed - House (75 - 44)
5/08 HB 2369 Renewable Energy Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 18)
5/08 HB 2369 Renewable Energy Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 18)
6/26 HB 2472 Renewable Energy Tax Credit Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 2)
6/25 HB 2472 Renewable Energy Tax Credit Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (39 - 21)
2/11 HB 32 Gray Wolf Management Plan Amendments Bill Failed - House (7 - 52)
6/22 HB 3298 Creating a Water Management Plan Concurrence Vote Passed - House (31 - 28)
6/12 HB 3298 Creating a Water Management Plan Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
6/23 HB 3300 Promoting Green Jobs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
6/17 HB 3300 Promoting Green Jobs Bill Passed - House (42 - 16)
6/23 HB 3300 Promoting Green Jobs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
6/17 HB 3300 Promoting Green Jobs Bill Passed - House (42 - 16)
6/26 HB 3369 Water Development Bill Passed - House (43 - 16)
6/29 HB 3369 Water Development Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
3/09 HB 379 Environmental Lawsuit Delay Bond Bill Passed - House (52 - 22)
2/25 HB 418 Amendments Regarding Horse Slaughterhouses Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
3/20 HB 418 Amendments Regarding Horse Slaughterhouses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
1/20 HB 62 Mandatory Trapper Education Course Bill Passed - House (51 - 48)
4/29 HB 6636 Clean Energy Fund and Electricity Provider Bill Bill Passed - House (104 - 38)
5/08 HF 1231 2010-2011 Cultural and Outdoor Resources Budget Bill Passed - House (78 - 51)
3/25 HR 146 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (285 - 140)
3/25 HR 146 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (285 - 140)
3/19 HR 146 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Passed - Senate (77 - 20)
3/19 HR 146 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Passed - Senate (77 - 20)
6/26 HR 2454 Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade") Bill Passed - House (219 - 212)
6/26 HR 2454 Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade") Bill Passed - House (219 - 212)
6/09 HR 2751 Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act Bill Passed - House (298 - 119)
10/29 HR 2996 Continuing Appropriations Extension and 2009-2010 Department of Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, and Related Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (247 - 178)
10/29 HR 2996 Continuing Appropriations Extension and 2009-2010 Department of Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, and Related Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (72 - 28)
10/08 HR 2997 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (76 - 22)
10/07 HR 2997 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Conference Report Adopted - House (263 - 162)
7/31 HR 3435 Supplemental Appropriations for the "Cash for Clunkers" Program Bill Passed - House (316 - 109)
8/06 HR 3435 Supplemental Appropriations for the "Cash for Clunkers" Program Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 37)
2/27 LB 5 Trapping In Rights-of-Way Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
4/08 LD 67 Prohibiting Smoking at State Park Beaches Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
3/05 S 1119 Allowing Public Utility Assistance Programs Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
3/11 S 22 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Failed - House (282 - 144)
1/15 S 22 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Passed - Senate (73 - 21)
1/15 S 22 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Passed - Senate (73 - 21)
3/11 S 22 Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 Bill Failed - House (282 - 144)
6/25 S 702 Promoting Purchase of Energy-Efficient Homes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/25 S 702 Promoting Purchase of Energy-Efficient Homes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/18 SB 1018 Reducing the Use of Plastic Bags Bill Passed - House (78 - 41)
6/09 SB 107 Electronics Sale and Disposal Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)

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