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
July 9, 2008 MA Jones Amdt - Presidential Electors by Congressional District Bill Failed - House (34 - 120)
July 9, 2008 MA Frost Amdt - National Popular Vote Plan Ratification Threshold Bill Failed - House (34 - 120)
April 10, 2008 MA Garry and D'Amico Amendment: Removal of Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (49 - 105)
Nov. 19, 2013 MA Amdt 1 Increases the Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Amendment Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
Oct. 11, 2017 MA Amdt 1 Prohibits Sale or Possession of "Bump Stocks" Bill Passed - House (152 - 3)
July 1, 2014 MA Amdt 17 Limits Use of Non-Competition Agreements Amendment Adopted - Senate (32 - 7)
June 11, 2014 MA Amdt 46 Establishes a Sales Tax Holiday Amendment Adopted - House (132 - 14)
April 26, 2011 MA Amdt 749.1 Collective Bargaining Restrictions Amendment Adopted - House (113 - 42)
May 24, 2006 MA Amdt 8 to SB 3 Sales Tax Holiday Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 16)
April 27, 2006 MA C Amdt "H" Local Education Funding Study Bill Amendment Adopted - House (144 - 13)
March 12, 2008 MA DeLeo Amdt Legislative Committee Chair Pay Raises Amendment Adopted - House (126 - 20)
Jan. 11, 2006 MA H 1230 In State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Failed - House (57 - 96)
July 13, 2006 MA H 126 Unsigned Political Posters Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
March 13, 2019 MA H 140 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - House (148 - 8)
Jan. 19, 2006 MA H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Passed - House (76 - 74)
May 18, 2006 MA H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
May 23, 2006 MA H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Failed - House (76 - 80)
May 24, 2017 MA H 3034 Limits the Use of Prison Labor Bill Passed - House (120 - 35)
April 8, 2013 MA H 3382 Expands Retail Tax to Include Computer System Design Services Bill Passed - House (97 - 55)
April 24, 2013 MA H 3401 2013-2014 Budget Bill Passed - House (127 - 29)
May 25, 2017 MA H 3601 Appropriates Funds for the 2018 Fiscal Year Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
April 25, 2017 MA H 3601 Appropriates Funds for the 2018 Fiscal Year Bill Passed - House (159 - 1)
March 28, 2019 MA H 3638 Appropriates Funding to Family Planning and Women Reproductive Health Clinics Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
Oct. 13, 2011 MA H 3711 Authorizes Gambling Casinos Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Sept. 14, 2011 MA H 3711 Authorizes Gambling Casinos Bill Passed - House (123 - 32)
June 21, 2017 MA H 3768 Authorizes Reforms to Recreational Marijuana Laws Bill Passed - House (126 - 28)
June 30, 2021 MA H 3770 Requires the $400 Million Holyoke Soldiers' Home Construction Project be Completed with Unionized Labor Veto Override Passed - House (130 - 30)
June 22, 2017 MA H 3776 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
July 7, 2017 MA H 3800 Establishes State Budget for Fiscal Year 2018 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 2)
July 7, 2017 MA H 3800 Establishes State Budget for Fiscal Year 2018 Conference Report Adopted - House (140 - 9)
July 19, 2012 MA H 3818 Requires Habitual Violent Offenders to Serve Their Full Sentence Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
July 18, 2012 MA H 3818 Requires Habitual Violent Offenders to Serve Their Full Sentence Conference Report Adopted - House (139 - 14)
July 20, 2017 MA H 3818 Amends Voter-Passed Marijuana Law Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
June 10, 2021 MA H 3862 Appropriates Funds for the 2021 Fiscal Year and Supplements Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (131 - 29)
June 10, 2021 MA H 3863 Amends the Redistricting Process to Redraw Congressional Boundaries Bill Passed - House (131 - 29)
June 10, 2021 MA H 3871 Appropriates Funds for a Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (131 - 29)
July 22, 2021 MA H 3977 Authorizes the Legalization of Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (156 - 3)
May 30, 2012 MA H 3986 Authorizes Child Care Workers to Form Labor Organizations Bill Passed - House (117 - 32)
July 29, 2021 MA H 4002 Appropriates Funds for FY 2022 Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
July 28, 2021 MA H 4002 Appropriates Funds for FY 2022 Veto Override Passed - House (124 - 35)
Sept. 23, 2021 MA H 4011 Prohibits Denial of Assistance Based on Person's Assets Veto Override Passed - House (130 - 29)
April 2, 2014 MA H 4026 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (125 - 24)
March 9, 2016 MA H 4049 Establishes Regulations for Ride-Sharing Companies Bill Passed - House (139 - 16)
May 1, 2009 MA H 4101 Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 Bill Passed - House (137 - 19)
Sept. 28, 2023 MA H 4104 Exempts Decedents Estates from State Estate Tax if Under $2 Million Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 1)
July 16, 2014 MA H 4108 Amends Charter School Laws Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 30)
May 21, 2014 MA H 4108 Amends Charter School Laws Bill Passed - House (114 - 35)
Oct. 4, 2023 MA H 4109 Requires Employers with 25 or More Employees Post Annual Salary or Hourly Wage Amount Bill Passed - House (148 - 8)
June 12, 2014 MA H 4111 Appropriates Funds for the Expansion of the Boston Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
May 28, 2014 MA H 4111 Appropriates Funds for the Expansion of the Boston Convention Center Bill Passed - House (131 - 19)
Sept. 23, 2021 MA H 4121 Establishes House Working Group on COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (131 - 28)
Oct. 18, 2023 MA H 4135 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
Feb. 1, 2024 MA H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
Oct. 18, 2023 MA H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
July 27, 2010 MA H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - Senate (28 - 9)
July 20, 2010 MA H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - House (116 - 34)
July 15, 2010 MA H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
June 2, 2010 MA H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - House (114 - 35)
June 27, 2012 MA H 4174 Authorizes Funds for State Transportation Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
July 13, 2006 MA H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
June 7, 2006 MA H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Nov. 13, 2019 MA H 4183 Prohibits Flavored Tobacco and Vaping Products, Including Menthol Cigarettes Bill Passed - House (127 - 31)
July 16, 2014 MA H 4184 Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
July 16, 2014 MA H 4184 Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Conference Report Adopted - House (131 - 18)
June 18, 2014 MA H 4184 Authorizes Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Bill Passed - House (129 - 16)
Jan. 16, 2020 MA H 4218 Requires School Districts Offer Breakfast After Instruction Begins Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
Jan. 10, 2024 MA H 4241 Prohibits Revenge Porn and Increases Penalties Bill Passed - House (151 - 0)
Sept. 22, 2009 MA H 4246 Authorizing Governor to Appoint Interim U.S. Senator Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Sept. 17, 2009 MA H 4246 Authorizing Governor to Appoint Interim U.S. Senator Bill Passed - House (95 - 59)
Nov. 17, 2021 MA H 4256 Amends Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
July 31, 2014 MA H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
July 31, 2014 MA H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - House (122 - 30)
July 9, 2014 MA H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (112 - 38)
Oct. 11, 2007 MA H 4282 Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (126 - 18)
April 13, 2023 MA H 43 Establishment of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 4, 2008 MA H 4346 Trans Fat Ban Bill Passed - House (116 - 34)
Feb. 10, 2022 MA H 4441 Expands Protections for Veterans Bill Passed - House (156 - 1)
Jan. 28, 2010 MA H 4441 School Nutrition Standards Bill Passed - House (152 - 4)
Feb. 16, 2022 MA H 4461 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Undocumented Immigrants (120 - 36)
Feb. 4, 2010 MA H 4466 Expanding Driving Regulations Bill Passed - House (146 - 9)
May 5, 2022 MA H 4470 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons (32 - 8)
Feb. 16, 2022 MA H 4470 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Bill Passed - House (120 - 36)
Jan. 23, 2008 MA H 4477 Cell Phone Driving Ban Bill Passed - House (107 - 47)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (147 - 10)
May 24, 2006 MA H 4479 MassHealth Immigrant Eligibility Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 19)
May 4, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 20)
May 4, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
April 4, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (154 - 2)
June 28, 2018 MA H 4479 Increases Minimum Purchase Age for Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
May 9, 2018 MA H 4479 Increases Minimum Purchase Age for Tobacco Products Bill Passed - House (147 - 4)
Feb. 7, 2008 MA H 4488 Education Reorganization Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
Feb. 6, 2008 MA H 4488 Education Reorganization Bill Passed - House (135 - 19)
June 7, 2018 MA H 4501 Authorizes Capital for State Life Sciences Capital Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
Feb. 27, 2020 MA H 4502 Appropriates Funds for the Executive Office of Education to Contain, Treat, and Prevent COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
May 23, 2018 MA H 4517 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (139 - 14)
April 14, 2022 MA H 4524 Expands Commonwealth Involvement in Offshore Wind, Clean Energy Industries (37 - 3)
March 3, 2022 MA H 4524 Expands Commonwealth Involvement in Offshore Wind, Clean Energy Industries Bill Passed - House (144 - 12)
July 18, 2018 MA H 4546 Authorizes Creation of Community Benefit Districts Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Date No. Title Outcome
7/09 Jones Amdt - Presidential Electors by Congressional District Bill Failed - House (34 - 120)
7/09 Frost Amdt - National Popular Vote Plan Ratification Threshold Bill Failed - House (34 - 120)
4/10 Garry and D'Amico Amendment: Removal of Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (49 - 105)
11/19 Amdt 1 Increases the Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Amendment Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
10/11 Amdt 1 Prohibits Sale or Possession of "Bump Stocks" Bill Passed - House (152 - 3)
7/01 Amdt 17 Limits Use of Non-Competition Agreements Amendment Adopted - Senate (32 - 7)
6/11 Amdt 46 Establishes a Sales Tax Holiday Amendment Adopted - House (132 - 14)
4/26 Amdt 749.1 Collective Bargaining Restrictions Amendment Adopted - House (113 - 42)
5/24 Amdt 8 to SB 3 Sales Tax Holiday Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 16)
4/27 C Amdt "H" Local Education Funding Study Bill Amendment Adopted - House (144 - 13)
3/12 DeLeo Amdt Legislative Committee Chair Pay Raises Amendment Adopted - House (126 - 20)
1/11 H 1230 In State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Failed - House (57 - 96)
7/13 H 126 Unsigned Political Posters Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
3/13 H 140 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - House (148 - 8)
1/19 H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Passed - House (76 - 74)
5/18 H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
5/23 H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Failed - House (76 - 80)
5/24 H 3034 Limits the Use of Prison Labor Bill Passed - House (120 - 35)
4/08 H 3382 Expands Retail Tax to Include Computer System Design Services Bill Passed - House (97 - 55)
4/24 H 3401 2013-2014 Budget Bill Passed - House (127 - 29)
5/25 H 3601 Appropriates Funds for the 2018 Fiscal Year Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
4/25 H 3601 Appropriates Funds for the 2018 Fiscal Year Bill Passed - House (159 - 1)
3/28 H 3638 Appropriates Funding to Family Planning and Women Reproductive Health Clinics Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
10/13 H 3711 Authorizes Gambling Casinos Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
9/14 H 3711 Authorizes Gambling Casinos Bill Passed - House (123 - 32)
6/21 H 3768 Authorizes Reforms to Recreational Marijuana Laws Bill Passed - House (126 - 28)
6/30 H 3770 Requires the $400 Million Holyoke Soldiers' Home Construction Project be Completed with Unionized Labor Veto Override Passed - House (130 - 30)
6/22 H 3776 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
7/07 H 3800 Establishes State Budget for Fiscal Year 2018 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 2)
7/07 H 3800 Establishes State Budget for Fiscal Year 2018 Conference Report Adopted - House (140 - 9)
7/19 H 3818 Requires Habitual Violent Offenders to Serve Their Full Sentence Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
7/18 H 3818 Requires Habitual Violent Offenders to Serve Their Full Sentence Conference Report Adopted - House (139 - 14)
7/20 H 3818 Amends Voter-Passed Marijuana Law Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
6/10 H 3862 Appropriates Funds for the 2021 Fiscal Year and Supplements Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (131 - 29)
6/10 H 3863 Amends the Redistricting Process to Redraw Congressional Boundaries Bill Passed - House (131 - 29)
6/10 H 3871 Appropriates Funds for a Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (131 - 29)
7/22 H 3977 Authorizes the Legalization of Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (156 - 3)
5/30 H 3986 Authorizes Child Care Workers to Form Labor Organizations Bill Passed - House (117 - 32)
7/29 H 4002 Appropriates Funds for FY 2022 Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
7/28 H 4002 Appropriates Funds for FY 2022 Veto Override Passed - House (124 - 35)
9/23 H 4011 Prohibits Denial of Assistance Based on Person's Assets Veto Override Passed - House (130 - 29)
4/02 H 4026 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (125 - 24)
3/09 H 4049 Establishes Regulations for Ride-Sharing Companies Bill Passed - House (139 - 16)
5/01 H 4101 Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 Bill Passed - House (137 - 19)
9/28 H 4104 Exempts Decedents Estates from State Estate Tax if Under $2 Million Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 1)
7/16 H 4108 Amends Charter School Laws Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 30)
5/21 H 4108 Amends Charter School Laws Bill Passed - House (114 - 35)
10/04 H 4109 Requires Employers with 25 or More Employees Post Annual Salary or Hourly Wage Amount Bill Passed - House (148 - 8)
6/12 H 4111 Appropriates Funds for the Expansion of the Boston Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
5/28 H 4111 Appropriates Funds for the Expansion of the Boston Convention Center Bill Passed - House (131 - 19)
9/23 H 4121 Establishes House Working Group on COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (131 - 28)
10/18 H 4135 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
2/01 H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
10/18 H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
7/27 H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - Senate (28 - 9)
7/20 H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - House (116 - 34)
7/15 H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
6/02 H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - House (114 - 35)
6/27 H 4174 Authorizes Funds for State Transportation Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
7/13 H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
6/07 H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
11/13 H 4183 Prohibits Flavored Tobacco and Vaping Products, Including Menthol Cigarettes Bill Passed - House (127 - 31)
7/16 H 4184 Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
7/16 H 4184 Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Conference Report Adopted - House (131 - 18)
6/18 H 4184 Authorizes Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Bill Passed - House (129 - 16)
1/16 H 4218 Requires School Districts Offer Breakfast After Instruction Begins Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
1/10 H 4241 Prohibits Revenge Porn and Increases Penalties Bill Passed - House (151 - 0)
9/22 H 4246 Authorizing Governor to Appoint Interim U.S. Senator Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
9/17 H 4246 Authorizing Governor to Appoint Interim U.S. Senator Bill Passed - House (95 - 59)
11/17 H 4256 Amends Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
7/31 H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
7/31 H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - House (122 - 30)
7/09 H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (112 - 38)
10/11 H 4282 Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (126 - 18)
4/13 H 43 Establishment of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/04 H 4346 Trans Fat Ban Bill Passed - House (116 - 34)
2/10 H 4441 Expands Protections for Veterans Bill Passed - House (156 - 1)
1/28 H 4441 School Nutrition Standards Bill Passed - House (152 - 4)
2/16 H 4461 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Undocumented Immigrants (120 - 36)
2/04 H 4466 Expanding Driving Regulations Bill Passed - House (146 - 9)
5/05 H 4470 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons (32 - 8)
2/16 H 4470 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Bill Passed - House (120 - 36)
1/23 H 4477 Cell Phone Driving Ban Bill Passed - House (107 - 47)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (147 - 10)
5/24 H 4479 MassHealth Immigrant Eligibility Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 19)
5/04 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 20)
5/04 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
4/04 H 4479 Health Care Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (154 - 2)
6/28 H 4479 Increases Minimum Purchase Age for Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
5/09 H 4479 Increases Minimum Purchase Age for Tobacco Products Bill Passed - House (147 - 4)
2/07 H 4488 Education Reorganization Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
2/06 H 4488 Education Reorganization Bill Passed - House (135 - 19)
6/07 H 4501 Authorizes Capital for State Life Sciences Capital Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
2/27 H 4502 Appropriates Funds for the Executive Office of Education to Contain, Treat, and Prevent COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
5/23 H 4517 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (139 - 14)
4/14 H 4524 Expands Commonwealth Involvement in Offshore Wind, Clean Energy Industries (37 - 3)
3/03 H 4524 Expands Commonwealth Involvement in Offshore Wind, Clean Energy Industries Bill Passed - House (144 - 12)
7/18 H 4546 Authorizes Creation of Community Benefit Districts Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)

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