National Government Operations 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 20, 2001 National HR 2216 2001 Supplemental Appropriations Act Conference Report Adopted - House (375 - 30)
May 3, 2006 National HR 4975 527 Reform Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (217 - 213)
May 3, 2006 National HR 4975 527 Reform Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (217 - 213)
Nov. 15, 2001 National HR 2330 Agriculture FY2002 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (92 - 7)
Nov. 13, 2001 National HR 2330 Agriculture FY2002 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (379 - 33)
Nov. 8, 1997 National HR 2264 Appropriations bill FY98, Labor, HHS, Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (91 - 4)
Nov. 7, 1997 National HR 2264 Appropriations bill FY98, Labor, HHS, Education Conference Report Adopted - House (352 - 65)
Sept. 30, 1997 National HR 2378 Appropriations bill FY98, Treasury, Postal Service Conference Report Adopted - House (220 - 207)
Oct. 1, 1997 National HR 2378 Appropriations bill FY98, Treasury, Postal Service Conference Report Adopted - Senate (55 - 45)
Dec. 21, 2005 National S 1932 Budget Reconciliation Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (51 - 50)
April 11, 2003 National H Con Res 95 Congressional Budget for fiscal year 2004 Conference Report Adopted - House (216 - 211)
April 11, 2003 National H Con Res 95 Congressional Budget for fiscal year 2004 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 50)
Oct. 18, 2005 National S Amdt 2062 Congressional Pay Raise Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (92 - 6)
Nov. 2, 1999 National HR 3064 DC/Labor/HHS/Education FY 2000 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (49 - 48)
Oct. 28, 1999 National HR 3064 DC/Labor/HHS/Education FY 2000 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (218 - 211)
Sept. 25, 1997 National HR 2266 Defense Department FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (356 - 65)
Sept. 25, 1997 National HR 2266 Defense Department FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (93 - 5)
Dec. 4, 2001 National HR 2299 Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2002 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (97 - 2)
Nov. 30, 2001 National HR 2299 Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2002 Conference Report Adopted - House (371 - 11)
Sept. 16, 1999 National HR 2587 District of Columbia FY2000 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 39)
Sept. 9, 1999 National HR 2587 District of Columbia FY2000 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (208 - 206)
Nov. 19, 1999 National HR 3194 District of Columbia FY2000 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (74 - 24)
Nov. 18, 1999 National HR 3194 District of Columbia FY2000 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (296 - 135)
Sept. 21, 1994 National HR 4649 District of Columbia FY95 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (71 - 27)
Aug. 7, 1998 National HR 4380 District of Columbia FY99 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (214 - 206)
Nov. 18, 2003 National HR 2754 Energy and Water Appropriations, FY 2004 bill Conference Report Adopted - House (387 - 36)
Oct. 3, 1996 National HR 3539 Federal Aviation Authorization Act of 1996 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (92 - 2)
Sept. 27, 1996 National HR 3539 Federal Aviation Authorization Act of 1996 Conference Report Adopted - House (218 - 198)
Sept. 20, 2006 National HR 4844 Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (228 - 196)
Aug. 5, 1999 National HR 2488 Financial Freedom Act of 1999 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (50 - 49)
Aug. 5, 1999 National HR 2488 Financial Freedom Act of 1999 Conference Report Adopted - House (221 - 206)
June 27, 2006 National S J Res 12 Flag Desecration Constitutional Amendment Resolution Failed - Senate (66 - 34)
Dec. 19, 2001 National HR 2506 Foreign Operations FY2002 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (357 - 66)
Sept. 24, 1997 National HR 2209 FY 1998 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (309 - 106)
Sept. 21, 2006 National HR 6095 Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (277 - 140)
Dec. 19, 1998 National H Res 611 Impeachment Resolution: Article One Resolution Failed - House (148 - 285)
Dec. 19, 1998 National H Res 611 Impeachment Resolution: Article One Resolution Passed - House (228 - 206)
Feb. 12, 1999 National H Res 611 Impeachment Resolution: Article One Resolution Failed - Senate (45 - 55)
Dec. 19, 1998 National H Res 611 Impeachment Resolution: Article One Resolution Passed - House (221 - 212)
Dec. 19, 1998 National H Res 611 Impeachment Resolution: Article One Resolution Failed - House (205 - 229)
Nov. 20, 2003 National HR 2417 Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 Conference Report Adopted - House (264 - 163)
Nov. 7, 1997 National S 858 Intelligence FY98 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - House (385 - 36)
Nov. 1, 2001 National HR 2647 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2002 Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 52)
Nov. 1, 2001 National HR 2647 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2002 Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 52)
July 28, 2005 National HR 2985 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2006 Conference Report Adopted - House (305 - 122)
July 29, 2005 National HR 2985 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2006 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (96 - 4)
July 1, 1994 National HR 4454 Legislative Branch FY95 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (73 - 27)
Sept. 24, 1998 National HR 4112 Legislative Branch FY99 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (356 - 65)
July 21, 1998 National HR 4112 Legislative Branch FY99 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - Senate (90 - 9)
June 25, 1998 National HR 4112 Legislative Branch FY99 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (235 - 179)
March 27, 1996 National S 4 Line-Item Veto bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (69 - 31)
June 22, 2006 National HR 4890 Line Item Veto Bill Bill Passed - House (247 - 172)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S Amdt 5104 Military Commissions Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
July 19, 2006 National HR 2389 Pledge Protection Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (260 - 167)
March 29, 1996 National HR 956 Product Liability bill Conference Report Adopted - House (259 - 158)
March 21, 1996 National HR 956 Product Liability bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (59 - 40)
May 10, 1995 National HR 956 Product Liability bill Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
Aug. 2, 1996 National S 1316 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1995 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (98 - 0)
Aug. 2, 1996 National S 1316 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1995 Conference Report Adopted - House (392 - 30)
April 28, 1998 National HR 1757 State Department FY98-99 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 49)
March 21, 2005 National S 686 Terri Schiavo Incapacitated Persons Protection Bill Bill Passed - House (203 - 58)
Nov. 8, 2001 National HR 2620 Veterans Affairs and HUD Appropriations Act of 2002 Conference Report Adopted - House (401 - 18)
Nov. 8, 2001 National HR 2620 Veterans Affairs and HUD Appropriations Act of 2002 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (87 - 7)
April 30, 1998 National S 1502 Washington, D.C. School Vouchers bill Bill Passed - House (214 - 206)
Oct. 14, 1999 National HR 3064 District of Columbia Appropriations Act, FY 2000 Bill Passed - House (211 - 205)
Feb. 14, 1995 National HR 728 Anti-Crime bill Bill Passed - House (238 - 192)
Nov. 3, 1999 National HR 3194 District of Columbia FY2000 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (216 - 210)
June 7, 2006 National S J Res 1 Same Sex Marriage Resolution Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 48)
May 9, 1996 National HR 956 Product Liability bill Veto Override Failed - House (258 - 163)
Feb. 3, 2005 National PN 12 Alberto R. Gonzales, Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (60 - 36)
May 25, 2005 National PN 194 Priscilla R. Owen, Fifth Circuit Judge Nomination Confirmed - Senate (55 - 43)
May 24, 2005 National PN 194 Priscilla R. Owen, Fifth Circuit Judge Cloture Invoked - Senate (81 - 18)
Nov. 3, 2005 National S Amdt 2351 Pay As You Go Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (50 - 49)
June 3, 2003 National H J Res 4 Flag Burning Resolution Bill Passed - House (300 - 125)
Nov. 5, 1999 National HR 3196 Foreign Operations FY2000 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (316 - 100)
Nov. 17, 2005 National S Amdt 2602 Hurricane Victims Tax Benefit Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 55)
Jan. 31, 2006 National PN 1059 Samuel Alito, Associate Justice Nomination Confirmed - Senate (58 - 42)
Feb. 25, 1998 National HR 2631 Line Item Veto Cancellation bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (78 - 20)
Feb. 5, 1998 National HR 2631 Line Item Veto Cancellation bill Veto Override Passed - House (347 - 69)
Nov. 8, 1997 National HR 2631 Line Item Veto Cancellation bill Bill Passed - House (352 - 64)
July 18, 2006 National H J Res 88 Same-Sex Marriage Resolution Joint Resolution Failed - House (236 - 187)
March 13, 2003 National HR 5 Malpractice Liability bill Bill Passed - House (229 - 196)
Sept. 23, 2004 National HR 2028 Pledge of Allegiance Protection Bill Bill Passed - House (247 - 173)
July 31, 1996 National HR 3734 Welfare Reform Act of 1996 Conference Report Adopted - House (328 - 101)
Aug. 1, 1996 National HR 3734 Welfare Reform Act of 1996 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (78 - 21)
July 23, 1996 National HR 3734 Welfare Reform Act of 1996 Bill Passed - Senate (74 - 24)
July 18, 1996 National HR 3734 Welfare Reform Act of 1996 Bill Passed - House (256 - 170)
Aug. 1, 1996 National HR 123 English as the National Language Bill Passed - House (259 - 169)
April 23, 1996 National S J Res 21 Term Limits bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (58 - 42)
April 23, 1996 National S J Res 21 Term Limits bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (58 - 42)
May 5, 1998 National HR 1385 Training Programs bill Bill Passed - Senate (91 - 7)
May 16, 1997 National HR 1385 Training Programs bill Bill Passed - House (343 - 60)
Nov. 21, 1993 National HR 51 D.C. Statehood Bill Bill Failed - House (153 - 277)
April 19, 2007 National HR 1905 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (241 - 177)
April 19, 2007 National HR 1905 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (241 - 177)
April 19, 2007 National HR 1905 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (241 - 177)
June 7, 2006 National HR 5521 Legislative Branch FY 2007 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (361 - 53)
March 14, 2007 National HR 985 Whistleblower Protection Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (331 - 94)
March 20, 2007 National S 214 United States Attorneys Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 2)
May 22, 2007 National S 214 United States Attorneys Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (306 - 114)
Date No. Title Outcome
7/20 HR 2216 2001 Supplemental Appropriations Act Conference Report Adopted - House (375 - 30)
5/03 HR 4975 527 Reform Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (217 - 213)
5/03 HR 4975 527 Reform Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (217 - 213)
11/15 HR 2330 Agriculture FY2002 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (92 - 7)
11/13 HR 2330 Agriculture FY2002 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (379 - 33)
11/08 HR 2264 Appropriations bill FY98, Labor, HHS, Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (91 - 4)
11/07 HR 2264 Appropriations bill FY98, Labor, HHS, Education Conference Report Adopted - House (352 - 65)
9/30 HR 2378 Appropriations bill FY98, Treasury, Postal Service Conference Report Adopted - House (220 - 207)
10/01 HR 2378 Appropriations bill FY98, Treasury, Postal Service Conference Report Adopted - Senate (55 - 45)
12/21 S 1932 Budget Reconciliation Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (51 - 50)
4/11 H Con Res 95 Congressional Budget for fiscal year 2004 Conference Report Adopted - House (216 - 211)
4/11 H Con Res 95 Congressional Budget for fiscal year 2004 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 50)
10/18 S Amdt 2062 Congressional Pay Raise Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (92 - 6)
11/02 HR 3064 DC/Labor/HHS/Education FY 2000 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (49 - 48)
10/28 HR 3064 DC/Labor/HHS/Education FY 2000 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (218 - 211)
9/25 HR 2266 Defense Department FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (356 - 65)
9/25 HR 2266 Defense Department FY98 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (93 - 5)
12/04 HR 2299 Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2002 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (97 - 2)
11/30 HR 2299 Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2002 Conference Report Adopted - House (371 - 11)
9/16 HR 2587 District of Columbia FY2000 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 39)
9/09 HR 2587 District of Columbia FY2000 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (208 - 206)
11/19 HR 3194 District of Columbia FY2000 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (74 - 24)
11/18 HR 3194 District of Columbia FY2000 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (296 - 135)
9/21 HR 4649 District of Columbia FY95 Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (71 - 27)
8/07 HR 4380 District of Columbia FY99 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (214 - 206)
11/18 HR 2754 Energy and Water Appropriations, FY 2004 bill Conference Report Adopted - House (387 - 36)
10/03 HR 3539 Federal Aviation Authorization Act of 1996 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (92 - 2)
9/27 HR 3539 Federal Aviation Authorization Act of 1996 Conference Report Adopted - House (218 - 198)
9/20 HR 4844 Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (228 - 196)
8/05 HR 2488 Financial Freedom Act of 1999 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (50 - 49)
8/05 HR 2488 Financial Freedom Act of 1999 Conference Report Adopted - House (221 - 206)
6/27 S J Res 12 Flag Desecration Constitutional Amendment Resolution Failed - Senate (66 - 34)
12/19 HR 2506 Foreign Operations FY2002 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (357 - 66)
9/24 HR 2209 FY 1998 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (309 - 106)
9/21 HR 6095 Immigration Law Enforcement Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (277 - 140)
12/19 H Res 611 Impeachment Resolution: Article One Resolution Failed - House (148 - 285)
12/19 H Res 611 Impeachment Resolution: Article One Resolution Passed - House (228 - 206)
2/12 H Res 611 Impeachment Resolution: Article One Resolution Failed - Senate (45 - 55)
12/19 H Res 611 Impeachment Resolution: Article One Resolution Passed - House (221 - 212)
12/19 H Res 611 Impeachment Resolution: Article One Resolution Failed - House (205 - 229)
11/20 HR 2417 Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 Conference Report Adopted - House (264 - 163)
11/07 S 858 Intelligence FY98 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - House (385 - 36)
11/01 HR 2647 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2002 Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 52)
11/01 HR 2647 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2002 Conference Report Adopted - House (374 - 52)
7/28 HR 2985 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2006 Conference Report Adopted - House (305 - 122)
7/29 HR 2985 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2006 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (96 - 4)
7/01 HR 4454 Legislative Branch FY95 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (73 - 27)
9/24 HR 4112 Legislative Branch FY99 Appropriations bill Conference Report Adopted - House (356 - 65)
7/21 HR 4112 Legislative Branch FY99 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - Senate (90 - 9)
6/25 HR 4112 Legislative Branch FY99 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (235 - 179)
3/27 S 4 Line-Item Veto bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (69 - 31)
6/22 HR 4890 Line Item Veto Bill Bill Passed - House (247 - 172)
9/28 S Amdt 5104 Military Commissions Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
7/19 HR 2389 Pledge Protection Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (260 - 167)
3/29 HR 956 Product Liability bill Conference Report Adopted - House (259 - 158)
3/21 HR 956 Product Liability bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (59 - 40)
5/10 HR 956 Product Liability bill Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
8/02 S 1316 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1995 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (98 - 0)
8/02 S 1316 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1995 Conference Report Adopted - House (392 - 30)
4/28 HR 1757 State Department FY98-99 Authorization bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 49)
3/21 S 686 Terri Schiavo Incapacitated Persons Protection Bill Bill Passed - House (203 - 58)
11/08 HR 2620 Veterans Affairs and HUD Appropriations Act of 2002 Conference Report Adopted - House (401 - 18)
11/08 HR 2620 Veterans Affairs and HUD Appropriations Act of 2002 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (87 - 7)
4/30 S 1502 Washington, D.C. School Vouchers bill Bill Passed - House (214 - 206)
10/14 HR 3064 District of Columbia Appropriations Act, FY 2000 Bill Passed - House (211 - 205)
2/14 HR 728 Anti-Crime bill Bill Passed - House (238 - 192)
11/03 HR 3194 District of Columbia FY2000 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (216 - 210)
6/07 S J Res 1 Same Sex Marriage Resolution Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 48)
5/09 HR 956 Product Liability bill Veto Override Failed - House (258 - 163)
2/03 PN 12 Alberto R. Gonzales, Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (60 - 36)
5/25 PN 194 Priscilla R. Owen, Fifth Circuit Judge Nomination Confirmed - Senate (55 - 43)
5/24 PN 194 Priscilla R. Owen, Fifth Circuit Judge Cloture Invoked - Senate (81 - 18)
11/03 S Amdt 2351 Pay As You Go Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (50 - 49)
6/03 H J Res 4 Flag Burning Resolution Bill Passed - House (300 - 125)
11/05 HR 3196 Foreign Operations FY2000 Appropriations bill Bill Passed - House (316 - 100)
11/17 S Amdt 2602 Hurricane Victims Tax Benefit Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 55)
1/31 PN 1059 Samuel Alito, Associate Justice Nomination Confirmed - Senate (58 - 42)
2/25 HR 2631 Line Item Veto Cancellation bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (78 - 20)
2/05 HR 2631 Line Item Veto Cancellation bill Veto Override Passed - House (347 - 69)
11/08 HR 2631 Line Item Veto Cancellation bill Bill Passed - House (352 - 64)
7/18 H J Res 88 Same-Sex Marriage Resolution Joint Resolution Failed - House (236 - 187)
3/13 HR 5 Malpractice Liability bill Bill Passed - House (229 - 196)
9/23 HR 2028 Pledge of Allegiance Protection Bill Bill Passed - House (247 - 173)
7/31 HR 3734 Welfare Reform Act of 1996 Conference Report Adopted - House (328 - 101)
8/01 HR 3734 Welfare Reform Act of 1996 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (78 - 21)
7/23 HR 3734 Welfare Reform Act of 1996 Bill Passed - Senate (74 - 24)
7/18 HR 3734 Welfare Reform Act of 1996 Bill Passed - House (256 - 170)
8/01 HR 123 English as the National Language Bill Passed - House (259 - 169)
4/23 S J Res 21 Term Limits bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (58 - 42)
4/23 S J Res 21 Term Limits bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (58 - 42)
5/05 HR 1385 Training Programs bill Bill Passed - Senate (91 - 7)
5/16 HR 1385 Training Programs bill Bill Passed - House (343 - 60)
11/21 HR 51 D.C. Statehood Bill Bill Failed - House (153 - 277)
4/19 HR 1905 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (241 - 177)
4/19 HR 1905 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (241 - 177)
4/19 HR 1905 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (241 - 177)
6/07 HR 5521 Legislative Branch FY 2007 Appropriations Bill Bill Passed - House (361 - 53)
3/14 HR 985 Whistleblower Protection Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (331 - 94)
3/20 S 214 United States Attorneys Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 2)
5/22 S 214 United States Attorneys Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (306 - 114)

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