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. 12, 2021 National H Res 21 Calling on Vice President Michael R. Pence to convene and mobilize the principal officers of the executive departments of the Cabinet to activate section 4 of the 25th Amendment to declare President Donald J. Trump incapable of executing the duties of his office and to immediately exercise powers as acting President Resolution Passed - House (223 - 205)
Feb. 13, 2021 National H Res 24 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Resolution Failed - Senate (57 - 43)
Jan. 13, 2021 National H Res 24 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Resolution Passed - House (232 - 197)
Jan. 20, 2021 National PN 78-10 Nomination of Avril Haines as the Director of National Intelligence Nomination Confirmed - Senate (84 - 10)
Jan. 22, 2021 National PN 78-1 Nomination of Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (93 - 2)
Jan. 25, 2021 National PN 78-24 Nomination of Janet Yellen as Secretary of the Treasury Nomination Confirmed - Senate (84 - 15)
Jan. 26, 2021 National PN 78-3 Nomination of Antony Blinken as Secretary of State Nomination Confirmed - Senate (78 - 22)
Feb. 2, 2021 National PN 78-4 Nomination of Peter Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation Nomination Confirmed - Senate (86 - 13)
Feb. 2, 2021 National PN 78-13 Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas as Secretary of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (56 - 43)
Feb. 3, 2021 National H Con Res 11 Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2021 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2022 through 2030 Joint Resolution Passed - House (218 - 212)
Feb. 4, 2021 National H Res 72 Removing a certain Member from certain standing committees of the House of Representatives Resolution Passed - House (230 - 199)
Feb. 5, 2021 National S Con Res 5 A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2021 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2022 through 2030 Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 50)
Feb. 5, 2021 National H Res 101 Providing for the adoption of the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 5) setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2021 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2022 through 2030. Resolution Passed - House (219 - 209)
Feb. 8, 2021 National PN 78-14 Nomination of Denis McDonough as Secretary of Veterans Affairs Nomination Confirmed - Senate (87 - 7)
Feb. 5, 2021 National HR 447 National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (247 - 173)
Feb. 9, 2021 National N/A On the Motion "Is Former President Donald John Trump Subject to a Court of Impeachment for Acts Committed While President?" Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 44)
Feb. 23, 2021 National PN 78-21 Nomination of Linda Thomas-Greenfield as Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations Nomination Confirmed - Senate (78 - 21)
Feb. 23, 2021 National PN 78-22 Nomination of Thomas J. Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture Nomination Confirmed - Senate (92 - 7)
Feb. 25, 2021 National PN 78-8 Nomination of Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (64 - 35)
Feb. 25, 2021 National HR 5 Equality Act Bill Passed - House (224 - 206)
March 10, 2021 National HR 1319 American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (220 - 211)
March 6, 2021 National HR 1319 American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 49)
Feb. 27, 2021 National HR 1319 American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (219 - 212)
March 1, 2021 National PN 78-5 Nomination of Miguel Cardona as Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (64 - 33)
March 2, 2021 National PN 78-15 Nomination of Gina Raimondo as Secretary of Commerce Nomination Confirmed - Senate (84 - 15)
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)
March 6, 2021 National S Amdt 1386 Prohibits funds made available under title II to States, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education that permit any student whose biological sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity designated for women or girls. Amendment Rejected - Senate (49 - 50)
March 5, 2021 National S Amdt 972 Increases the Federal Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour Amendment Rejected - Senate (42 - 58)
March 9, 2021 National HR 842 Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (225 - 206)
March 10, 2021 National PN 78-6 Nomination of Marcia Fudge as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Nomination Confirmed - Senate (66 - 34)
March 10, 2021 National PN 78-7 Nomination of Merrick Garland as Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (70 - 30)
March 10, 2021 National PN 78-16 Nomination of Michael Regan as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Nomination Confirmed - Senate (66 - 34)
March 11, 2021 National HR 8 Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (227 - 203)
March 11, 2021 National HR 1446 Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (219 - 210)
March 15, 2021 National PN 78-11 Nomination of Debra Haaland as Secretary of the Interior Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 40)
March 17, 2021 National HR 1620 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (244 - 172)
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 18, 2021 National PN 78-2 Nomination of Xavier Becerra as Secretary of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 49)
March 18, 2021 National HR 6 American Dream and Promise Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (228 - 197)
March 18, 2021 National HR 1603 Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (247 - 174)
March 19, 2021 National HR 1868 To prevent across-the-board direct spending cuts, and for other purposes Bill Passed - House (246 - 175)
March 22, 2021 National PN 78-23 Nomination of Martin Walsh as Secretary of Labor Nomination Confirmed - Senate (68 - 29)
March 23, 2021 National PN 79-13 Nomination of Shalanda Young as Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget Nomination Confirmed - Senate (63 - 37)
March 23, 2021 National PN 79-11 Nomination of Vivek Murphy as Medical Director in the Regular Corps and Surgeon General of the General Public Health Service Nomination Confirmed - Senate (57 - 43)
March 24, 2021 National PN 121 Nomination of Rachel Levine as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 48)
June 8, 2021 National HR 7 Paycheck Fairness Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 50)
April 15, 2021 National HR 7 Paycheck Fairness Act Bill Passed - House (217 - 210)
April 16, 2021 National HR 1195 Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act Bill Passed - House (254 - 166)
April 21, 2021 National HR 1573 Access to Counsel Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (217 - 207)
April 21, 2021 National HR 1333 NO BAN Act Bill Passed - House (218 - 208)
April 21, 2021 National PN 79-4 Nomination of Vanita Gupta to be Associate Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 49)
April 22, 2021 National HR 51 Washington, D.C. Admission Act Bill Passed - House (216 - 208)
May 18, 2021 National S 937 COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Bill Passed - House (364 - 62)
April 22, 2021 National S 937 COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 1)
June 25, 2021 National S J Res 14 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review" Joint Resolution Passed - House (229 - 191)
April 28, 2021 National S J Res 14 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review" Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 42)
April 19, 2021 National HR 1996 SAFE Banking Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (321 - 101)
June 24, 2021 National S J Res 15 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Comptroller of Currency relating to "National Banks and Federal Savings Associations as Lenders". Joint Resolution Passed - House (218 - 208)
May 11, 2021 National S J Res 15 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Comptroller of Currency relating to "National Banks and Federal Savings Associations as Lenders". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 47)
May 12, 2021 National PN 245 Nomination of Ronald Stroman as Governor of the United States Postal Service Nomination Confirmed - Senate (66 - 32)
May 13, 2021 National PN 244 Nomination of Amber McReynolds as Governor of the United States Postal Service Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 38)
May 13, 2021 National HR 2547 Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act Bill Passed - House (215 - 207)
May 28, 2021 National HR 3233 National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 35)
May 19, 2021 National HR 3233 National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act Bill Passed - House (252 - 175)
June 24, 2021 National S J Res 13 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission relating to "Update of Commission's Conciliation Procedures". Joint Resolution Passed - House (219 - 210)
May 19, 2021 National S J Res 13 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission relating to "Update of Commission's Conciliation Procedures". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (50 - 48)
May 20, 2021 National HR 3237 Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act, 2021 Bill Passed - House (213 - 212)
May 25, 2021 National PN 124 Nomation of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as the Adminstor of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (55 - 44)
June 8, 2021 National S 1260 United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021 Bill Passed - Senate (68 - 32)
June 14, 2021 National H Res 473 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 256) to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1187) to provide for disclosure of additional material information about public companies and establish a Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee, and for other purposes; and for other purposes Bill Passed - House (216 - 206)
June 24, 2021 National HR 1443 LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act Bill Passed - House (252 - 176)
June 15, 2021 National HR 1443 LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act Bill Failed - House (248 - 177)
June 16, 2021 National S 475 Juneteenth National Independence Day Act Bill Passed - House (415 - 14)
June 17, 2021 National HR 256 To Repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 Bill Passed - House (268 - 161)
Date No. Title Outcome
1/12 H Res 21 Calling on Vice President Michael R. Pence to convene and mobilize the principal officers of the executive departments of the Cabinet to activate section 4 of the 25th Amendment to declare President Donald J. Trump incapable of executing the duties of his office and to immediately exercise powers as acting President Resolution Passed - House (223 - 205)
2/13 H Res 24 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Resolution Failed - Senate (57 - 43)
1/13 H Res 24 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Resolution Passed - House (232 - 197)
1/20 PN 78-10 Nomination of Avril Haines as the Director of National Intelligence Nomination Confirmed - Senate (84 - 10)
1/22 PN 78-1 Nomination of Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (93 - 2)
1/25 PN 78-24 Nomination of Janet Yellen as Secretary of the Treasury Nomination Confirmed - Senate (84 - 15)
1/26 PN 78-3 Nomination of Antony Blinken as Secretary of State Nomination Confirmed - Senate (78 - 22)
2/02 PN 78-4 Nomination of Peter Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation Nomination Confirmed - Senate (86 - 13)
2/02 PN 78-13 Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas as Secretary of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (56 - 43)
2/03 H Con Res 11 Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2021 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2022 through 2030 Joint Resolution Passed - House (218 - 212)
2/04 H Res 72 Removing a certain Member from certain standing committees of the House of Representatives Resolution Passed - House (230 - 199)
2/05 S Con Res 5 A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2021 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2022 through 2030 Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 50)
2/05 H Res 101 Providing for the adoption of the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 5) setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2021 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2022 through 2030. Resolution Passed - House (219 - 209)
2/08 PN 78-14 Nomination of Denis McDonough as Secretary of Veterans Affairs Nomination Confirmed - Senate (87 - 7)
2/05 HR 447 National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (247 - 173)
2/09 N/A On the Motion "Is Former President Donald John Trump Subject to a Court of Impeachment for Acts Committed While President?" Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 44)
2/23 PN 78-21 Nomination of Linda Thomas-Greenfield as Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations Nomination Confirmed - Senate (78 - 21)
2/23 PN 78-22 Nomination of Thomas J. Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture Nomination Confirmed - Senate (92 - 7)
2/25 PN 78-8 Nomination of Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (64 - 35)
2/25 HR 5 Equality Act Bill Passed - House (224 - 206)
3/10 HR 1319 American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (220 - 211)
3/06 HR 1319 American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 49)
2/27 HR 1319 American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (219 - 212)
3/01 PN 78-5 Nomination of Miguel Cardona as Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (64 - 33)
3/02 PN 78-15 Nomination of Gina Raimondo as Secretary of Commerce Nomination Confirmed - Senate (84 - 15)
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)
3/06 S Amdt 1386 Prohibits funds made available under title II to States, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education that permit any student whose biological sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity designated for women or girls. Amendment Rejected - Senate (49 - 50)
3/05 S Amdt 972 Increases the Federal Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour Amendment Rejected - Senate (42 - 58)
3/09 HR 842 Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (225 - 206)
3/10 PN 78-6 Nomination of Marcia Fudge as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Nomination Confirmed - Senate (66 - 34)
3/10 PN 78-7 Nomination of Merrick Garland as Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (70 - 30)
3/10 PN 78-16 Nomination of Michael Regan as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Nomination Confirmed - Senate (66 - 34)
3/11 HR 8 Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (227 - 203)
3/11 HR 1446 Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (219 - 210)
3/15 PN 78-11 Nomination of Debra Haaland as Secretary of the Interior Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 40)
3/17 HR 1620 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (244 - 172)
3/17 H J Res 17 Removing the deadline for the ratification of the equal rights amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (222 - 204)
3/18 PN 78-2 Nomination of Xavier Becerra as Secretary of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 49)
3/18 HR 6 American Dream and Promise Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (228 - 197)
3/18 HR 1603 Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (247 - 174)
3/19 HR 1868 To prevent across-the-board direct spending cuts, and for other purposes Bill Passed - House (246 - 175)
3/22 PN 78-23 Nomination of Martin Walsh as Secretary of Labor Nomination Confirmed - Senate (68 - 29)
3/23 PN 79-13 Nomination of Shalanda Young as Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget Nomination Confirmed - Senate (63 - 37)
3/23 PN 79-11 Nomination of Vivek Murphy as Medical Director in the Regular Corps and Surgeon General of the General Public Health Service Nomination Confirmed - Senate (57 - 43)
3/24 PN 121 Nomination of Rachel Levine as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 48)
6/08 HR 7 Paycheck Fairness Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 50)
4/15 HR 7 Paycheck Fairness Act Bill Passed - House (217 - 210)
4/16 HR 1195 Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act Bill Passed - House (254 - 166)
4/21 HR 1573 Access to Counsel Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (217 - 207)
4/21 HR 1333 NO BAN Act Bill Passed - House (218 - 208)
4/21 PN 79-4 Nomination of Vanita Gupta to be Associate Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 49)
4/22 HR 51 Washington, D.C. Admission Act Bill Passed - House (216 - 208)
5/18 S 937 COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Bill Passed - House (364 - 62)
4/22 S 937 COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 1)
6/25 S J Res 14 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review" Joint Resolution Passed - House (229 - 191)
4/28 S J Res 14 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review" Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 42)
4/19 HR 1996 SAFE Banking Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (321 - 101)
6/24 S J Res 15 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Comptroller of Currency relating to "National Banks and Federal Savings Associations as Lenders". Joint Resolution Passed - House (218 - 208)
5/11 S J Res 15 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Comptroller of Currency relating to "National Banks and Federal Savings Associations as Lenders". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 47)
5/12 PN 245 Nomination of Ronald Stroman as Governor of the United States Postal Service Nomination Confirmed - Senate (66 - 32)
5/13 PN 244 Nomination of Amber McReynolds as Governor of the United States Postal Service Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 38)
5/13 HR 2547 Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act Bill Passed - House (215 - 207)
5/28 HR 3233 National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 35)
5/19 HR 3233 National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act Bill Passed - House (252 - 175)
6/24 S J Res 13 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission relating to "Update of Commission's Conciliation Procedures". Joint Resolution Passed - House (219 - 210)
5/19 S J Res 13 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission relating to "Update of Commission's Conciliation Procedures". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (50 - 48)
5/20 HR 3237 Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act, 2021 Bill Passed - House (213 - 212)
5/25 PN 124 Nomation of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as the Adminstor of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (55 - 44)
6/08 S 1260 United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021 Bill Passed - Senate (68 - 32)
6/14 H Res 473 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 256) to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1187) to provide for disclosure of additional material information about public companies and establish a Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee, and for other purposes; and for other purposes Bill Passed - House (216 - 206)
6/24 HR 1443 LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act Bill Passed - House (252 - 176)
6/15 HR 1443 LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act Bill Failed - House (248 - 177)
6/16 S 475 Juneteenth National Independence Day Act Bill Passed - House (415 - 14)
6/17 HR 256 To Repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 Bill Passed - House (268 - 161)

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