National Civil Liberties and Civil Rights 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.


results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
April 12, 2024 National HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Bill Passed - House (273 - 147)
Dec. 13, 2023 National H Res 927 Condemning antisemitism on University campuses and the testimony of University Presidents in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Resolution Passed - House (303 - 126)
Dec. 5, 2023 National H Res 894 Strongly condemning and denouncing the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. Resolution Passed - House (311 - 14)
Nov. 2, 2023 National H Res 798 Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff. Resolution Passed - House (396 - 23)
March 9, 2023 National HR 140 Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act Bill Passed - House (219 - 206)
Dec. 1, 2022 National HR 4785 To support the human rights of Uyghurs and members of other minority groups residing primarily in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and safeguard their distinct identity, and for other purposes. Bill Passed - House (407 - 17)
Nov. 30, 2022 National H Con Res 119 Providing for a Correction in the enrollment of H.J. Res. 100. Joint Resolution Passed - House (221 - 207)
Nov. 30, 2022 National H J Res 100 To provide for a resolution with respect to the unresolved disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and certain of their employees. Joint Resolution Passed - House (290 - 137)
Sept. 15, 2022 National HR 2988 Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (221 - 203)
March 18, 2022 National HR 2116 Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act (CROWN Act of 2021) Bill Passed - House (235 - 185)
March 17, 2022 National HR 963 FAIR Act of 2022 Bill Passed - House (222 - 209)
Feb. 28, 2022 National HR 55 Emmett Till Antilynching Act Bill Passed - House (422 - 3)
Dec. 14, 2021 National HR 5665 Combating International Islamophobia Act Bill Passed - House (219 - 212)
June 29, 2021 National HR 3005 To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library and to remove certain statues from areas of the United States Capitol which are accessible to the public, to remove all statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in the United States Capitol, and for other purposes. Bill Passed - House (285 - 120)
June 23, 2021 National HR 2062 Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (247 - 178)
June 16, 2021 National S 475 Juneteenth National Independence Day Act Bill Passed - House (415 - 14)
May 18, 2021 National S 937 COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Bill Passed - House (364 - 62)
March 17, 2021 National H J Res 17 Removing the deadline for the ratification of the equal rights amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (222 - 204)
March 3, 2021 National HR 1 For the People Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 210)
March 3, 2021 National HR 1280 George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 212)
Feb. 25, 2021 National HR 5 Equality Act Bill Passed - House (224 - 206)
Oct. 2, 2020 National H Res 1153 Condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent Bill Passed - House (232 - 157)
Sept. 30, 2020 National HR 6270 Uyghur Forced Labor Disclosure Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (253 - 163)
Sept. 17, 2020 National HR 2694 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Bill Passed - House (329 - 73)
Sept. 16, 2020 National HR 2574 Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (232 - 188)
Sept. 15, 2020 National HR 2639 Strength in Diversity Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (248 - 167)
July 27, 2020 National S 2163 Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act Bill Passed - House (368 - 1)
July 22, 2020 National HR 7573 To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library and to remove certain statues from areas of the United States Capitol which are accessible to the public, to remove all statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in the United States Capitol, and for other purposes Bill Passed - House (305 - 113)
May 27, 2020 National S 3744 Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (413 - 1)
Feb. 26, 2020 National HR 35 Emmett Till Antilynching Act Bill Passed - House (410 - 4)
Feb. 13, 2020 National H J Res 79 Removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment Bill Passed - House (232 - 183)
Jan. 15, 2020 National HR 1230 Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act Bill Passed - House (261 - 155)
Dec. 6, 2019 National HR 4 Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (228 - 187)
Nov. 19, 2019 National HR 5084 Improving Corporate Governance Through Diversity Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (281 - 135)
July 23, 2019 National H Res 246 Opposing Efforts to Delegitimize the State of Israel and The Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement Targeting Israel Bill Passed - House (398 - 17)
July 16, 2019 National H Res 489 Condemning President Trump's Racist Comments Directed at Members of Congress Bill Passed - House (240 - 187)
May 17, 2019 National HR 5 Equality Act Bill Passed - House (236 - 173)
March 7, 2019 National H Res 183 Condemning anti-Semitism as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values and aspirations that define the people of the United States and condemning anti-Muslim discrimination and bigotry against minorities as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contrary to the values and aspirations of the United States Bill Passed - House (407 - 23)
Jan. 15, 2019 National H Res 41 Rejecting White Nationalism and White Supremacy Bill Passed - House (424 - 1)
May 22, 2018 National S 204 Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (250 - 169)
May 8, 2018 National S J Res 57 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to "Indirect Auto Lending and Compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act" Bill Passed - House (234 - 175)
March 14, 2018 National HR 4909 STOP School Violence Act of 2018 Bill Passed - House (407 - 10)
Feb. 27, 2018 National HR 1865 Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (388 - 25)
Feb. 15, 2018 National HR 620 ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (225 - 192)
Jan. 11, 2018 National S 139 FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (256 - 164)
Feb. 2, 2017 National H J Res 40 Providing for congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 Joint Resolution Passed - House (235 - 180)
May 30, 2014 National H Amdt 763 Prohibits Funds from Being Used to Require Journalists to Disclose Sources Amendment Adopted - House (225 - 183)
Sept. 12, 2012 National HR 5949 FISA Amendments Act Reauthorization Act of 2012 Bill Passed - House (301 - 118)
May 18, 2012 National H Amdt 1127 Repeals Indefinite Military Detention Provisions Amendment Rejected - House (182 - 238)
Dec. 14, 2011 National HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136)
May 26, 2011 National S 990 PATRIOT Act Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 153)
Feb. 17, 2011 National HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (279 - 143)
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)
June 20, 2008 National HR 6304 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Amendments Bill Passed - House (293 - 129)
March 14, 2008 National HR 3773 Electronic Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Review Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (213 - 197)
Nov. 15, 2007 National HR 3773 Electronic Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Review Act Bill Passed - House (227 - 189)
Oct. 16, 2007 National HR 2102 Reporter's Source Confidentiality Guidelines Bill Passed - House (398 - 21)
Aug. 5, 2007 National HR 3222 Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2008 Bill Passed - House (395 - 13)
May 17, 2007 National H Amdt 197 Guantanamo Transfer Plan Amendment Adopted - House (220 - 208)
Sept. 29, 2006 National S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (250 - 170)
Sept. 20, 2006 National HR 4844 Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (228 - 196)
July 19, 2006 National HR 2389 Pledge Protection Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (260 - 167)
July 13, 2006 National HR 9 Voting Rights Act Reauthorization Bill Passed - House (390 - 33)
Dec. 14, 2005 National HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Conference Report Adopted - House (251 - 174)
Nov. 2, 2005 National HR 1606 Online Freedom of Speech Act Bill Failed - House (225 - 182)
July 21, 2005 National HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Motion Rejected - House (209 - 218)
July 21, 2005 National HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Bill Passed - House (257 - 171)
June 17, 2005 National HR 2745 United Nations Reform Act of 2005 Bill Passed - House (221 - 184)
June 15, 2005 National H Amdt 280 Patriot Act Amendment - Library Records Amendment Adopted - House (238 - 187)
Oct. 10, 2002 National HR 3295 Help America Vote Act of 2002 Conference Report Adopted - House (357 - 48)
Oct. 24, 2001 National HR 3162 USA Patriot Act of 2001 Bill Passed - House (357 - 66)
Oct. 12, 2001 National HR 2975 Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 Bill Passed - House (337 - 79)
July 17, 2001 National H J Res 36 Flag Burning Resolution Joint Resolution Passed - House (298 - 125)
July 30, 1998 National H Amdt 747 Voter Registration Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (165 - 260)
Feb. 8, 1995 National HR 666 Admission of Evidence Seized Without a Warrant in Certain Conditions Bill Passed - House (289 - 142)
May 5, 1994 National S 636 Abortion Clinic Access bill Conference Report Adopted - House (241 - 174)
May 5, 1993 National HR 2 Motor Voter Registration Conference Report Adopted - House (259 - 164)
Feb. 4, 1993 National HR 2 Motor Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (259 - 160)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/12 HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Bill Passed - House (273 - 147)
12/13 H Res 927 Condemning antisemitism on University campuses and the testimony of University Presidents in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Resolution Passed - House (303 - 126)
12/05 H Res 894 Strongly condemning and denouncing the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. Resolution Passed - House (311 - 14)
11/02 H Res 798 Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff. Resolution Passed - House (396 - 23)
3/09 HR 140 Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act Bill Passed - House (219 - 206)
12/01 HR 4785 To support the human rights of Uyghurs and members of other minority groups residing primarily in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and safeguard their distinct identity, and for other purposes. Bill Passed - House (407 - 17)
11/30 H Con Res 119 Providing for a Correction in the enrollment of H.J. Res. 100. Joint Resolution Passed - House (221 - 207)
11/30 H J Res 100 To provide for a resolution with respect to the unresolved disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and certain of their employees. Joint Resolution Passed - House (290 - 137)
9/15 HR 2988 Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (221 - 203)
3/18 HR 2116 Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act (CROWN Act of 2021) Bill Passed - House (235 - 185)
3/17 HR 963 FAIR Act of 2022 Bill Passed - House (222 - 209)
2/28 HR 55 Emmett Till Antilynching Act Bill Passed - House (422 - 3)
12/14 HR 5665 Combating International Islamophobia Act Bill Passed - House (219 - 212)
6/29 HR 3005 To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library and to remove certain statues from areas of the United States Capitol which are accessible to the public, to remove all statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in the United States Capitol, and for other purposes. Bill Passed - House (285 - 120)
6/23 HR 2062 Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (247 - 178)
6/16 S 475 Juneteenth National Independence Day Act Bill Passed - House (415 - 14)
5/18 S 937 COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Bill Passed - House (364 - 62)
3/17 H J Res 17 Removing the deadline for the ratification of the equal rights amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (222 - 204)
3/03 HR 1 For the People Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 210)
3/03 HR 1280 George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 212)
2/25 HR 5 Equality Act Bill Passed - House (224 - 206)
10/02 H Res 1153 Condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent Bill Passed - House (232 - 157)
9/30 HR 6270 Uyghur Forced Labor Disclosure Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (253 - 163)
9/17 HR 2694 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Bill Passed - House (329 - 73)
9/16 HR 2574 Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (232 - 188)
9/15 HR 2639 Strength in Diversity Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (248 - 167)
7/27 S 2163 Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act Bill Passed - House (368 - 1)
7/22 HR 7573 To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library and to remove certain statues from areas of the United States Capitol which are accessible to the public, to remove all statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in the United States Capitol, and for other purposes Bill Passed - House (305 - 113)
5/27 S 3744 Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (413 - 1)
2/26 HR 35 Emmett Till Antilynching Act Bill Passed - House (410 - 4)
2/13 H J Res 79 Removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment Bill Passed - House (232 - 183)
1/15 HR 1230 Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act Bill Passed - House (261 - 155)
12/06 HR 4 Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (228 - 187)
11/19 HR 5084 Improving Corporate Governance Through Diversity Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (281 - 135)
7/23 H Res 246 Opposing Efforts to Delegitimize the State of Israel and The Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement Targeting Israel Bill Passed - House (398 - 17)
7/16 H Res 489 Condemning President Trump's Racist Comments Directed at Members of Congress Bill Passed - House (240 - 187)
5/17 HR 5 Equality Act Bill Passed - House (236 - 173)
3/07 H Res 183 Condemning anti-Semitism as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values and aspirations that define the people of the United States and condemning anti-Muslim discrimination and bigotry against minorities as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contrary to the values and aspirations of the United States Bill Passed - House (407 - 23)
1/15 H Res 41 Rejecting White Nationalism and White Supremacy Bill Passed - House (424 - 1)
5/22 S 204 Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (250 - 169)
5/08 S J Res 57 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to "Indirect Auto Lending and Compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act" Bill Passed - House (234 - 175)
3/14 HR 4909 STOP School Violence Act of 2018 Bill Passed - House (407 - 10)
2/27 HR 1865 Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (388 - 25)
2/15 HR 620 ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (225 - 192)
1/11 S 139 FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (256 - 164)
2/02 H J Res 40 Providing for congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 Joint Resolution Passed - House (235 - 180)
5/30 H Amdt 763 Prohibits Funds from Being Used to Require Journalists to Disclose Sources Amendment Adopted - House (225 - 183)
9/12 HR 5949 FISA Amendments Act Reauthorization Act of 2012 Bill Passed - House (301 - 118)
5/18 H Amdt 1127 Repeals Indefinite Military Detention Provisions Amendment Rejected - House (182 - 238)
12/14 HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136)
5/26 S 990 PATRIOT Act Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 153)
2/17 HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (279 - 143)
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)
6/20 HR 6304 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Amendments Bill Passed - House (293 - 129)
3/14 HR 3773 Electronic Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Review Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (213 - 197)
11/15 HR 3773 Electronic Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Review Act Bill Passed - House (227 - 189)
10/16 HR 2102 Reporter's Source Confidentiality Guidelines Bill Passed - House (398 - 21)
8/05 HR 3222 Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2008 Bill Passed - House (395 - 13)
5/17 H Amdt 197 Guantanamo Transfer Plan Amendment Adopted - House (220 - 208)
9/29 S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (250 - 170)
9/20 HR 4844 Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (228 - 196)
7/19 HR 2389 Pledge Protection Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (260 - 167)
7/13 HR 9 Voting Rights Act Reauthorization Bill Passed - House (390 - 33)
12/14 HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Conference Report Adopted - House (251 - 174)
11/02 HR 1606 Online Freedom of Speech Act Bill Failed - House (225 - 182)
7/21 HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Motion Rejected - House (209 - 218)
7/21 HR 3199 PATRIOT Act Reauthorization Bill Passed - House (257 - 171)
6/17 HR 2745 United Nations Reform Act of 2005 Bill Passed - House (221 - 184)
6/15 H Amdt 280 Patriot Act Amendment - Library Records Amendment Adopted - House (238 - 187)
10/10 HR 3295 Help America Vote Act of 2002 Conference Report Adopted - House (357 - 48)
10/24 HR 3162 USA Patriot Act of 2001 Bill Passed - House (357 - 66)
10/12 HR 2975 Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 Bill Passed - House (337 - 79)
7/17 H J Res 36 Flag Burning Resolution Joint Resolution Passed - House (298 - 125)
7/30 H Amdt 747 Voter Registration Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (165 - 260)
2/08 HR 666 Admission of Evidence Seized Without a Warrant in Certain Conditions Bill Passed - House (289 - 142)
5/05 S 636 Abortion Clinic Access bill Conference Report Adopted - House (241 - 174)
5/05 HR 2 Motor Voter Registration Conference Report Adopted - House (259 - 164)
2/04 HR 2 Motor Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (259 - 160)

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