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
Feb. 25, 2026 National PN 730-19 Nomination of John DeLeeuw, of Texas, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for the remainder of the term expiring December 31, 2026, vice Alvin Brown (50 - 45)
Feb. 24, 2026 National HR 6329 Information Quality Assurance Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (362 - 1)
Feb. 19, 2026 FL HJR 203 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Exempt Homestead Property From Taxation Bill Passed - House (80 - 30)
Feb. 17, 2026 VA SB 783 Restricts State and Local Law Enforcement From Engaging in a Federal Immigration Enforcement Agreement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 12, 2026 National H J Res 142 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the D.C. Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 47)
Feb. 12, 2026 MD HB 444 Prohibits the State and Any Local Government From Entering Into an Immigration Enforcement Agreement Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
Feb. 12, 2026 SC H 4755 Authorizes the Governor to Appoint All Members of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission Bill Passed - House (71 - 10)
Feb. 12, 2026 SC H 4755 Authorizes the Governor to Appoint All Members of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission Bill Passed - House (71 - 10)
Feb. 11, 2026 National H J Res 142 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the D.C. Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 Motion Agreed - Senate (51 - 46)
Feb. 11, 2026 National H J Res 72 Relating to a national emergency by the President on February 1, 2025 Bill Passed - House (219 - 211)
Feb. 10, 2026 National PN 726-4 Nomination of Daniel E. Burrows, of Colorado, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Aaron Reitz, resigned Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 46)
Feb. 10, 2026 AL HB 220 Authorizes the Governor and Legislature Leaders to Replace Appointed State Board Members Bill Passed - House (82 - 3)
Feb. 10, 2026 AL HB 220 Authorizes the Governor and Legislature Leaders to Replace Appointed State Board Members Bill Passed - House (82 - 3)
Feb. 10, 2026 AL HB 220 Authorizes the Governor and Legislature Leaders to Replace Appointed State Board Members Bill Passed - House (82 - 3)
Feb. 9, 2026 National PN 726-4 Nomination of Daniel E. Burrows, of Colorado, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Aaron Reitz, resigned Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 47)
Feb. 9, 2026 AZ HCR 2001 Amends the State Constitution to Prohibit Absentee Ballot Drop-Off on Election Day Bill Passed - House (32 - 27)
Feb. 9, 2026 AZ HCR 2001 Amends the State Constitution to Prohibit Absentee Ballot Drop-Off on Election Day Bill Passed - House (32 - 27)
Feb. 5, 2026 AZ HB 2022 Amends the Date of Primary Elections to the Second-to-Last Tuesday in July Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
Feb. 5, 2026 MI HB 5198 Requires Individuals to Disclose Any Foreign Donations Before Participating in Election Administration Bill Passed - House (99 - 4)
Feb. 5, 2026 MD SB 5 Amends the State Constitution to Require Special Elections at the Same Time as Regular Elections Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 1)
Feb. 5, 2026 MD SB 5 Amends the State Constitution to Require Special Elections at the Same Time as Regular Elections Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 1)
Feb. 5, 2026 MI HB 5197 Prohibits Foreign Funding for Ballot Initiative Campaigns Bill Passed - House (97 - 6)
Feb. 4, 2026 National H J Res 142 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the D.C. Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (215 - 210)
Feb. 3, 2026 National HR 7148 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (217 - 214)
Feb. 3, 2026 NM HB 9 Prohibits Governmental Entities From Entering Into Certain Immigration Enforcement Agreements and Using Public Property for Immigration-Related Detainment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Feb. 3, 2026 MD HB 444 Prohibits the State and Any Local Government From Entering Into an Immigration Enforcement Agreement Bill Passed - House (99 - 40)
Feb. 3, 2026 AL SB 71 Prohibits State Entities From Adopting Stricter Environmental Regulations Than the Federal Government Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
Feb. 2, 2026 AZ HB 2022 Amends the Date of Primary Elections to the Second-to-Last Tuesday in July Bill Passed - House (56 - 0)
Jan. 30, 2026 National HR 7148 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 Bill Passed - Senate (71 - 29)
Jan. 30, 2026 UT SB 134 Increases the Number of Utah Supreme Court Justices and Judges of Lower Courts Bill Passed - House (57 - 18)
Jan. 30, 2026 NM HB 9 Prohibits Governmental Entities From Entering Into Certain Immigration Enforcement Agreements and Using Public Property for Immigration-Related Detainment Bill Passed - House (40 - 29)
Jan. 29, 2026 National HR 7148 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (45 - 55)
Jan. 28, 2026 WA SB 5855 Prohibits Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement From Wearing Face Coverings Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
Jan. 28, 2026 IN HB 1343 Authorizes the Indiana National Guard to Establish a Military Police Force Bill Passed - House (67 - 29)
Jan. 27, 2026 SD HJR 5001 Amends the State Constitution to Restrict Eminent Domain Use Bill Passed - House (62 - 5)
Jan. 26, 2026 SD SJR 501 Amends the State Constitution to Establish Term Limits for Members of the Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Jan. 26, 2026 SD SJR 501 Amends the State Constitution to Establish Term Limits for Members of the Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Jan. 26, 2026 SD SB 85 Requires Electorate Approval for a School District to Exceed Property Tax Limits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Jan. 26, 2026 IN SB 76 Expands Requirements for State and Local Government Entities to Cooperate with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
Jan. 26, 2026 UT SB 134 Increases the Number of Utah Supreme Court Justices and Judges of Lower Courts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
Jan. 22, 2026 National HR 7148 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 Bill Passed - House (341 - 88)
Jan. 20, 2026 IN SB 12 Prohibits Ranked Choice Voting Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
Jan. 16, 2026 VA HJ 2 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Restores Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 16, 2026 VA HJ 4 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Authorize Redistricting Outside of the Decennial Cycle if Another State Also Redistricts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 16, 2026 VA HJ 4 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Authorize Redistricting Outside of the Decennial Cycle if Another State Also Redistricts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 16, 2026 VA HJ 2 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Restores Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 16, 2026 KY SB 7 Authorizes Certain Local Officials to Perform Driver's License Renewal and Other Identification Services Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
Jan. 16, 2026 KY SB 7 Authorizes Certain Local Officials to Perform Driver's License Renewal and Other Identification Services Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
Jan. 15, 2026 AZ SB 1106 Amends State Tax Rates to Align With the Federal Rates Established in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
Jan. 15, 2026 KS HB 2204 Specifies That the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum Have no Jurisdiction in Kansas Bill Passed - House (85 - 35)
Jan. 15, 2026 AZ SB 1106 Amends State Tax Rates to Align With the Federal Rates Established in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Jan. 14, 2026 National HR 7006 Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 Bill Passed - House (341 - 79)
Jan. 14, 2026 VA HJ 2 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Restores Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (65 - 33)
Jan. 14, 2026 VA HJ 2 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Restores Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (65 - 33)
Jan. 14, 2026 VA HJ 4 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Authorize Redistricting Outside of the Decennial Cycle if Another State Also Redistricts Bill Passed - House (62 - 33)
Jan. 14, 2026 VA HJ 4 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Authorize Redistricting Outside of the Decennial Cycle if Another State Also Redistricts Bill Passed - House (62 - 33)
Jan. 12, 2026 NJ A 5886 Amends the Process for Filling Vacancies From New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives Bill Passed - House (66 - 7)
Jan. 12, 2026 NJ A 5886 Amends the Process for Filling Vacancies From New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives Bill Passed - House (66 - 7)
Jan. 8, 2026 National H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Resolution Passed - House (224 - 202)
Jan. 8, 2026 National H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Resolution Passed - House (224 - 202)
Jan. 8, 2026 National HR 1834 Breaking the Gridlock Act Bill Passed - House (320 - 196)
Jan. 8, 2026 National HR 131 Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act Bill Passed - House (248 - 177)
Jan. 7, 2026 National H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Motion Agreed - House (221 - 205)
Jan. 7, 2026 National S J Res 86 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 "Air Plan Approval; South Dakota; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period" Motion Rejected - Senate (43 - 50)
Jan. 7, 2026 National S J Res 86 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 "Air Plan Approval; South Dakota; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period" Motion Rejected - Senate (43 - 50)
Jan. 7, 2026 National H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Motion Agreed - House (221 - 205)
Jan. 6, 2026 National PN 499-11 Nomination of Joshua Simmons to be General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 47)
Jan. 6, 2026 National PN 373 Nomination of Sara Bailey to be Director of National Drug Control Policy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 48)
Jan. 5, 2026 National PN 12-1 Nomination of Keith Bass to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 35)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/25 PN 730-19 Nomination of John DeLeeuw, of Texas, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for the remainder of the term expiring December 31, 2026, vice Alvin Brown (50 - 45)
2/24 HR 6329 Information Quality Assurance Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (362 - 1)
2/19 HJR 203 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Exempt Homestead Property From Taxation Bill Passed - House (80 - 30)
2/17 SB 783 Restricts State and Local Law Enforcement From Engaging in a Federal Immigration Enforcement Agreement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/12 H J Res 142 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the D.C. Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 47)
2/12 HB 444 Prohibits the State and Any Local Government From Entering Into an Immigration Enforcement Agreement Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
2/12 H 4755 Authorizes the Governor to Appoint All Members of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission Bill Passed - House (71 - 10)
2/12 H 4755 Authorizes the Governor to Appoint All Members of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission Bill Passed - House (71 - 10)
2/11 H J Res 142 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the D.C. Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 Motion Agreed - Senate (51 - 46)
2/11 H J Res 72 Relating to a national emergency by the President on February 1, 2025 Bill Passed - House (219 - 211)
2/10 PN 726-4 Nomination of Daniel E. Burrows, of Colorado, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Aaron Reitz, resigned Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 46)
2/10 HB 220 Authorizes the Governor and Legislature Leaders to Replace Appointed State Board Members Bill Passed - House (82 - 3)
2/10 HB 220 Authorizes the Governor and Legislature Leaders to Replace Appointed State Board Members Bill Passed - House (82 - 3)
2/10 HB 220 Authorizes the Governor and Legislature Leaders to Replace Appointed State Board Members Bill Passed - House (82 - 3)
2/09 PN 726-4 Nomination of Daniel E. Burrows, of Colorado, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Aaron Reitz, resigned Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 47)
2/09 HCR 2001 Amends the State Constitution to Prohibit Absentee Ballot Drop-Off on Election Day Bill Passed - House (32 - 27)
2/09 HCR 2001 Amends the State Constitution to Prohibit Absentee Ballot Drop-Off on Election Day Bill Passed - House (32 - 27)
2/05 HB 2022 Amends the Date of Primary Elections to the Second-to-Last Tuesday in July Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
2/05 HB 5198 Requires Individuals to Disclose Any Foreign Donations Before Participating in Election Administration Bill Passed - House (99 - 4)
2/05 SB 5 Amends the State Constitution to Require Special Elections at the Same Time as Regular Elections Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 1)
2/05 SB 5 Amends the State Constitution to Require Special Elections at the Same Time as Regular Elections Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 1)
2/05 HB 5197 Prohibits Foreign Funding for Ballot Initiative Campaigns Bill Passed - House (97 - 6)
2/04 H J Res 142 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the D.C. Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (215 - 210)
2/03 HR 7148 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (217 - 214)
2/03 HB 9 Prohibits Governmental Entities From Entering Into Certain Immigration Enforcement Agreements and Using Public Property for Immigration-Related Detainment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
2/03 HB 444 Prohibits the State and Any Local Government From Entering Into an Immigration Enforcement Agreement Bill Passed - House (99 - 40)
2/03 SB 71 Prohibits State Entities From Adopting Stricter Environmental Regulations Than the Federal Government Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
2/02 HB 2022 Amends the Date of Primary Elections to the Second-to-Last Tuesday in July Bill Passed - House (56 - 0)
1/30 HR 7148 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 Bill Passed - Senate (71 - 29)
1/30 SB 134 Increases the Number of Utah Supreme Court Justices and Judges of Lower Courts Bill Passed - House (57 - 18)
1/30 HB 9 Prohibits Governmental Entities From Entering Into Certain Immigration Enforcement Agreements and Using Public Property for Immigration-Related Detainment Bill Passed - House (40 - 29)
1/29 HR 7148 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (45 - 55)
1/28 SB 5855 Prohibits Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement From Wearing Face Coverings Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
1/28 HB 1343 Authorizes the Indiana National Guard to Establish a Military Police Force Bill Passed - House (67 - 29)
1/27 HJR 5001 Amends the State Constitution to Restrict Eminent Domain Use Bill Passed - House (62 - 5)
1/26 SJR 501 Amends the State Constitution to Establish Term Limits for Members of the Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
1/26 SJR 501 Amends the State Constitution to Establish Term Limits for Members of the Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
1/26 SB 85 Requires Electorate Approval for a School District to Exceed Property Tax Limits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
1/26 SB 76 Expands Requirements for State and Local Government Entities to Cooperate with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
1/26 SB 134 Increases the Number of Utah Supreme Court Justices and Judges of Lower Courts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
1/22 HR 7148 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 Bill Passed - House (341 - 88)
1/20 SB 12 Prohibits Ranked Choice Voting Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
1/16 HJ 2 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Restores Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/16 HJ 4 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Authorize Redistricting Outside of the Decennial Cycle if Another State Also Redistricts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/16 HJ 4 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Authorize Redistricting Outside of the Decennial Cycle if Another State Also Redistricts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/16 HJ 2 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Restores Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/16 SB 7 Authorizes Certain Local Officials to Perform Driver's License Renewal and Other Identification Services Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
1/16 SB 7 Authorizes Certain Local Officials to Perform Driver's License Renewal and Other Identification Services Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
1/15 SB 1106 Amends State Tax Rates to Align With the Federal Rates Established in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
1/15 HB 2204 Specifies That the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum Have no Jurisdiction in Kansas Bill Passed - House (85 - 35)
1/15 SB 1106 Amends State Tax Rates to Align With the Federal Rates Established in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
1/14 HR 7006 Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 Bill Passed - House (341 - 79)
1/14 HJ 2 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Restores Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (65 - 33)
1/14 HJ 2 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Restores Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (65 - 33)
1/14 HJ 4 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Authorize Redistricting Outside of the Decennial Cycle if Another State Also Redistricts Bill Passed - House (62 - 33)
1/14 HJ 4 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Authorize Redistricting Outside of the Decennial Cycle if Another State Also Redistricts Bill Passed - House (62 - 33)
1/12 A 5886 Amends the Process for Filling Vacancies From New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives Bill Passed - House (66 - 7)
1/12 A 5886 Amends the Process for Filling Vacancies From New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives Bill Passed - House (66 - 7)
1/08 H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Resolution Passed - House (224 - 202)
1/08 H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Resolution Passed - House (224 - 202)
1/08 HR 1834 Breaking the Gridlock Act Bill Passed - House (320 - 196)
1/08 HR 131 Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act Bill Passed - House (248 - 177)
1/07 H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Motion Agreed - House (221 - 205)
1/07 S J Res 86 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 "Air Plan Approval; South Dakota; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period" Motion Rejected - Senate (43 - 50)
1/07 S J Res 86 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 "Air Plan Approval; South Dakota; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period" Motion Rejected - Senate (43 - 50)
1/07 H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Motion Agreed - House (221 - 205)
1/06 PN 499-11 Nomination of Joshua Simmons to be General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 47)
1/06 PN 373 Nomination of Sara Bailey to be Director of National Drug Control Policy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 48)
1/05 PN 12-1 Nomination of Keith Bass to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 35)

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