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
Jan. 27, 2011 MS SB 2179 Restrictions on Employers of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (77 - 40)
Jan. 18, 2011 MS SB 2179 Restrictions on Employers of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
Jan. 18, 2011 MT HB 71 Excludes Undocumented Immigrants from Workers' Compensation Bill Passed - House (60 - 40)
Feb. 7, 2011 AR HB 1013 Hiring of Unauthorized Workers Bill Passed - House (54 - 39)
Feb. 17, 2011 National HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (279 - 143)
Feb. 15, 2011 National HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (86 - 12)
Feb. 14, 2011 National HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Bill Passed - House (275 - 144)
Feb. 8, 2011 National HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Bill Failed - House (277 - 148)
Feb. 8, 2011 VA HB 1465 Excludes Undocumented Immigrants from Public Universities Bill Passed - House (75 - 24)
Feb. 8, 2011 VA HB 2332 Citizenship of Arrestee Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
Feb. 10, 2011 ND HB 1327 Authority to Declare Evacuations During Local Disasters and Emergencies Bill Passed - House (53 - 41)
Feb. 15, 2011 National S Amdt 14 Prohibiting Transportation Security Administration Employees from Collective Bargaining Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 51)
Feb. 16, 2011 National H Amdt 16 Reducing Navy and Air Force Appropriations Amendment Adopted - House (233 - 198)
Feb. 18, 2011 UT HB 70 Identifying Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (58 - 15)
Feb. 23, 2011 UT HB 116 Guest Worker Program Bill Passed - House (43 - 28)
Feb. 22, 2011 UT HB 253 Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
Feb. 22, 2011 KS HB 2006 Prohibiting Undocumented Immigrants from Receiving In-State Tuition Rates Bill Passed - House (72 - 50)
Feb. 17, 2011 National H Amdt 69 Reducing Federal Funding of the US Institute of Peace Amendment Adopted - House (268 - 163)
Feb. 17, 2011 National H Amdt 69 Reducing Federal Funding of the US Institute of Peace Amendment Adopted - House (268 - 163)
Feb. 15, 2011 National H Amdt 13 Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement Amendment Rejected - House (105 - 326)
Feb. 24, 2011 UT HB 165 State Reimbursement for Required Medical Services Act Bill Passed - House (57 - 14)
April 19, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 18, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
Feb. 28, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
Feb. 18, 2011 National H Amdt 92 Prohibiting the Use of Federal Funds for NASCAR Sponsorships Amendment Rejected - House (148 - 281)
March 9, 2011 NM HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
March 4, 2011 NM HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (112 - 59)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
March 3, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (113 - 56)
Feb. 23, 2011 SD SB 156 Prohibits Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
March 9, 2011 National S Amdt 149 Department of Defense funding and Continuing Appropriations Amendment Rejected - Senate (42 - 58)
March 14, 2011 GA SB 40 Immigration Status Verification of Private Business Workers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
March 10, 2011 MO HB 167 Driver License Examinations Administered in English Only Bill Passed - House (102 - 56)
Feb. 28, 2011 UT HB 191 Nonresident Tuition Waiver Amendments Bill Passed - House (44 - 28)
March 15, 2011 AZ SCR 1035 English as the Official Language Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 8, 2011 AZ SB 1495 Establishment of an Arizona State Guard Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 10, 2011 GA SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
March 10, 2011 GA SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Not Tabled - Senate (20 - 34)
May 25, 2011 SC S 20 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (65 - 39)
March 10, 2011 SC S 20 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
March 17, 2011 National H Con Res 28 Removing Troops from Afghanistan Joint Resolution Failed - House (93 - 321)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1309 Defines Arizona Citizenship Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 22, 2011 CO HB 1140 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
March 29, 2011 National HR 839 Terminating the Home Affordable Modification Program Bill Passed - House (252 - 170)
March 29, 2011 OR SB 742 Resident Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
March 4, 2011 UT HB 497 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
March 4, 2011 UT HB 497 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (59 - 15)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1611 Requires Verification of Citizenship for Certain Benefits Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1405 Hospital Admissions and Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
April 7, 2011 National HR 1363 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (247 - 181)
April 9, 2011 National HR 1363 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (348 - 70)
June 2, 2011 AL HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 7)
June 2, 2011 AL HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 29)
April 5, 2011 AL HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (73 - 28)
April 11, 2011 MD SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 65)
April 11, 2011 MD SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 19)
April 11, 2011 AZ HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 17)
April 6, 2011 AZ HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 18, 2011 AZ SB 1495 Establishment of an Arizona State Guard Bill Passed - House (39 - 20)
May 28, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 53)
May 28, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
May 4, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 3, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (98 - 49)
April 18, 2011 CO SB 126 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 16, 2011 WA SB 5407 Prohibits Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Motion Rejected - Senate (23 - 25)
April 21, 2011 AL SB 256 Undocumented Immigrant Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate
March 14, 2011 OK SB 91 Proof of Presidential Candidates' Citizenship Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 10)
July 14, 2011 CA AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
May 5, 2011 CA AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (51 - 22)
May 23, 2011 National S 1038 PATRIOT Act Extension Cloture Invoked - Senate (74 - 8)
May 26, 2011 National S 990 PATRIOT Act Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 153)
May 26, 2011 National S 990 PATRIOT Act Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (72 - 23)
May 17, 2011 TX SB 420 Eligibility for Indigent Health Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
June 2, 2011 National HR 2017 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act Bill Passed - House (231 - 188)
June 2, 2011 National HR 2017 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act Bill Passed - House (231 - 188)
June 2, 2011 National H Amdt 385 Prohibiting Funds From Being Used in Contradiction to the War Powers Resolution Amendment Rejected - House (208 - 213)
June 2, 2011 National H Amdt 385 Prohibiting Funds From Being Used in Contradiction to the War Powers Resolution Amendment Rejected - House (208 - 213)
June 3, 2011 National H Res 292 Ground Forces in Libya Resolution Passed - House (268 - 145)
June 2, 2011 National H Amdt 398 Prohibiting the Use of Funds for Transportation Security Administration Collective Bargaining Amendment Adopted - House (218 - 205)
June 3, 2011 National H Con Res 51 Removing Armed Forces from Libya Joint Resolution Failed - House (148 - 265)
June 3, 2011 National H Con Res 51 Removing Armed Forces from Libya Joint Resolution Failed - House (148 - 265)
June 2, 2011 National H Amdt 406 Transportation Security Administration Appropriations Amendment Adopted - House (219 - 204)
June 1, 2011 CA AB 131 In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
June 13, 2011 National H Amdt 414 Prohibits Use of Funds in Contravention of the War Powers Resolution Amendment Adopted - House (248 - 163)
June 15, 2011 TX SB 9 Enforcement of Federal and State Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 24, 2011 CT HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 12, 2011 CT HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - House (77 - 63)
May 10, 2011 TX HB 12 Enforcement Of State And Federal Laws Governing Immigration Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
June 24, 2011 National H J Res 68 Authorizes Limited Use of US Armed Forces in Libya Joint Resolution Failed - House (123 - 295)
June 24, 2011 National HR 2278 Limits the Use of Funds in Support of NATO Operations in Libya Bill Failed - House (180 - 238)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
May 4, 2011 IL SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 11)
June 19, 2011 LA HB 342 Requires Certain Employers to Use E-Verify Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
Sept. 15, 2011 National S Amdt 602 Emergency Disaster Relief Appropriations Amendment Adopted - Senate (62 - 37)
Sept. 15, 2011 National S Amdt 613 Reducing Appropriations for Foreign Assistance Programs Amendment Rejected - Senate (20 - 78)
Sept. 9, 2011 MO HB 6 Appropriations for Missouri Disaster Relief Bill Passed - House (127 - 22)
Sept. 23, 2011 National HR 2608 Stopgap Spending and Disaster Relief Concurrence Vote Passed - House (219 - 203)
Sept. 21, 2011 National HR 2608 Stopgap Spending and Disaster Relief Concurrence Vote Failed - House (195 - 230)
Date No. Title Outcome
1/27 SB 2179 Restrictions on Employers of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (77 - 40)
1/18 SB 2179 Restrictions on Employers of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
1/18 HB 71 Excludes Undocumented Immigrants from Workers' Compensation Bill Passed - House (60 - 40)
2/07 HB 1013 Hiring of Unauthorized Workers Bill Passed - House (54 - 39)
2/17 HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (279 - 143)
2/15 HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (86 - 12)
2/14 HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Bill Passed - House (275 - 144)
2/08 HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Bill Failed - House (277 - 148)
2/08 HB 1465 Excludes Undocumented Immigrants from Public Universities Bill Passed - House (75 - 24)
2/08 HB 2332 Citizenship of Arrestee Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
2/10 HB 1327 Authority to Declare Evacuations During Local Disasters and Emergencies Bill Passed - House (53 - 41)
2/15 S Amdt 14 Prohibiting Transportation Security Administration Employees from Collective Bargaining Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 51)
2/16 H Amdt 16 Reducing Navy and Air Force Appropriations Amendment Adopted - House (233 - 198)
2/18 HB 70 Identifying Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (58 - 15)
2/23 HB 116 Guest Worker Program Bill Passed - House (43 - 28)
2/22 HB 253 Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
2/22 HB 2006 Prohibiting Undocumented Immigrants from Receiving In-State Tuition Rates Bill Passed - House (72 - 50)
2/17 H Amdt 69 Reducing Federal Funding of the US Institute of Peace Amendment Adopted - House (268 - 163)
2/17 H Amdt 69 Reducing Federal Funding of the US Institute of Peace Amendment Adopted - House (268 - 163)
2/15 H Amdt 13 Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement Amendment Rejected - House (105 - 326)
2/24 HB 165 State Reimbursement for Required Medical Services Act Bill Passed - House (57 - 14)
4/19 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/18 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
2/28 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
2/18 H Amdt 92 Prohibiting the Use of Federal Funds for NASCAR Sponsorships Amendment Rejected - House (148 - 281)
3/09 HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
3/04 HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
4/14 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (112 - 59)
4/14 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
3/03 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (113 - 56)
2/23 SB 156 Prohibits Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
3/09 S Amdt 149 Department of Defense funding and Continuing Appropriations Amendment Rejected - Senate (42 - 58)
3/14 SB 40 Immigration Status Verification of Private Business Workers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
3/10 HB 167 Driver License Examinations Administered in English Only Bill Passed - House (102 - 56)
2/28 HB 191 Nonresident Tuition Waiver Amendments Bill Passed - House (44 - 28)
3/15 SCR 1035 English as the Official Language Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/08 SB 1495 Establishment of an Arizona State Guard Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/10 SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
3/10 SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Not Tabled - Senate (20 - 34)
5/25 S 20 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (65 - 39)
3/10 S 20 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
3/17 H Con Res 28 Removing Troops from Afghanistan Joint Resolution Failed - House (93 - 321)
3/17 SB 1309 Defines Arizona Citizenship Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
3/17 SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/22 HB 1140 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
3/29 HR 839 Terminating the Home Affordable Modification Program Bill Passed - House (252 - 170)
3/29 SB 742 Resident Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
3/04 HB 497 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
3/04 HB 497 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (59 - 15)
3/17 SB 1611 Requires Verification of Citizenship for Certain Benefits Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
3/17 SB 1405 Hospital Admissions and Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
4/07 HR 1363 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (247 - 181)
4/09 HR 1363 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (348 - 70)
6/02 HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 7)
6/02 HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 29)
4/05 HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (73 - 28)
4/11 SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 65)
4/11 SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 19)
4/11 HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 17)
4/06 HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/18 SB 1495 Establishment of an Arizona State Guard Bill Passed - House (39 - 20)
5/28 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 53)
5/28 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
5/04 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/03 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (98 - 49)
4/18 SB 126 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/16 SB 5407 Prohibits Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Motion Rejected - Senate (23 - 25)
4/21 SB 256 Undocumented Immigrant Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate
3/14 SB 91 Proof of Presidential Candidates' Citizenship Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 10)
7/14 AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
5/05 AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (51 - 22)
5/23 S 1038 PATRIOT Act Extension Cloture Invoked - Senate (74 - 8)
5/26 S 990 PATRIOT Act Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 153)
5/26 S 990 PATRIOT Act Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (72 - 23)
5/17 SB 420 Eligibility for Indigent Health Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
6/02 HR 2017 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act Bill Passed - House (231 - 188)
6/02 HR 2017 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act Bill Passed - House (231 - 188)
6/02 H Amdt 385 Prohibiting Funds From Being Used in Contradiction to the War Powers Resolution Amendment Rejected - House (208 - 213)
6/02 H Amdt 385 Prohibiting Funds From Being Used in Contradiction to the War Powers Resolution Amendment Rejected - House (208 - 213)
6/03 H Res 292 Ground Forces in Libya Resolution Passed - House (268 - 145)
6/02 H Amdt 398 Prohibiting the Use of Funds for Transportation Security Administration Collective Bargaining Amendment Adopted - House (218 - 205)
6/03 H Con Res 51 Removing Armed Forces from Libya Joint Resolution Failed - House (148 - 265)
6/03 H Con Res 51 Removing Armed Forces from Libya Joint Resolution Failed - House (148 - 265)
6/02 H Amdt 406 Transportation Security Administration Appropriations Amendment Adopted - House (219 - 204)
6/01 AB 131 In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
6/13 H Amdt 414 Prohibits Use of Funds in Contravention of the War Powers Resolution Amendment Adopted - House (248 - 163)
6/15 SB 9 Enforcement of Federal and State Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/24 HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/12 HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - House (77 - 63)
5/10 HB 12 Enforcement Of State And Federal Laws Governing Immigration Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
6/24 H J Res 68 Authorizes Limited Use of US Armed Forces in Libya Joint Resolution Failed - House (123 - 295)
6/24 HR 2278 Limits the Use of Funds in Support of NATO Operations in Libya Bill Failed - House (180 - 238)
5/30 SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
5/04 SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 11)
6/19 HB 342 Requires Certain Employers to Use E-Verify Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
9/15 S Amdt 602 Emergency Disaster Relief Appropriations Amendment Adopted - Senate (62 - 37)
9/15 S Amdt 613 Reducing Appropriations for Foreign Assistance Programs Amendment Rejected - Senate (20 - 78)
9/09 HB 6 Appropriations for Missouri Disaster Relief Bill Passed - House (127 - 22)
9/23 HR 2608 Stopgap Spending and Disaster Relief Concurrence Vote Passed - House (219 - 203)
9/21 HR 2608 Stopgap Spending and Disaster Relief Concurrence Vote Failed - House (195 - 230)

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