Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023

The117th United States Congress began on January 3, 2021 and ended on January 3, 2023. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in theU.S. House of Representatives (222-213), and theU.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when PresidentJoe Biden (D) and Vice PresidentKamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below usingCongress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023
Vote	Bill and description	Status
Nay	Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act   TheInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) was a federal infrastructure bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 15, 2021. Among other provisions, the bill provided funding for new infrastructure projects and reauthorizations, Amtrak maintenance and development, bridge repair, replacement, and rehabilitation, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, and clean energy transmission and power infrastructure upgrades. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[55]Click here to read more.	Passed (69-30)
Nay	American Rescue Plan Act of 2021   TheAmerican Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 11, 2021, to provide economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key features of the bill included funding for a national vaccination program and response, funding to safely reopen schools, distribution of $1,400 per person in relief payments, and extended unemployment benefits. The bill required a 1/2 majority vote in the Senate.[56]Click here to read more.	Passed (50-49)
Nay	Inflation Reduction Act of 2022   TheInflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 16, 2022, to address climate change, healthcare costs, and tax enforcement. Key features of the bill included a $369 billion investment to address energy security and climate change, an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, allowing Medicare to negotiate certain drug prices, a 15% corporate minimum tax, a 1% stock buyback fee, and enhanced Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement, and an estimated $300 billion deficit reduction from 2022-2031. The bill required a 1/2 majority vote in the Senate.[57]Click here to read more.	Passed (51-50)
Yea	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (S. 1605) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 27, 2021, authorizingDepartment of Defense acitivities and programs for fiscal year 2022. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[58]	Passed (88-11)
Yea	James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023   The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (H.R. 7776) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2023. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[59]	Passed (83-11)
Yea	Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022   The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (S. 3373) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 10, 2022, that sought to address healthcare access, the presumption of service-connection, and research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[60]	Passed (86-11)
Nay	Chips and Science Act   The Chips and Science Act (H.R. 4346) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 9, 2022, which sought to fund domestic production of semiconductors and authorized various federal science agency programs and activities. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[61]	Passed (64-33)
Nay	Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021   The Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 (H.R. 3755) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives. The bill proposed prohibiting governmental restrictions on the provision of and access to abortion services and prohibiting governments from issuing some other abortion-related restrictions. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[62]	Failed (46-48)
Nay	Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 15, 2022, providing for the funding of federal agencies for the remainder of 2022, providing funding for activities related to Ukraine, and modifying or establishing various programs. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[63]	Passed (68-31)
Nay	Respect for Marriage Act   TheRespect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 13, 2022. The bill codified the recognition of marriages between individuals of the same sex and of different races, ethnicities, or national origins, and provided that the law would not impact religious liberty or conscience protections, or provide grounds to compel nonprofit religious organizations to recognize same-sex marriages. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[64]Click here to read more.	Passed (61-36)
Yea	Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023   The Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 6833) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2022. It provided for some fiscal year 2023 appropriations, supplemental funds for Ukraine, and extended several other programs and authorities. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[65]	Passed (72-25)
Yea	COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act   The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act (S. 937) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on May 20, 2021, that included provisions to designate an officer or employee of theDepartment of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate expedited review of hate crimes, required the DOJ to issue guidance to law enforcement agencies aimed to establish online hate crime reporting processes and to raise awareness about hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and established state grants to create hate crime reporting hotlines, among other related provisions. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[66]	Passed (94-1)
Yea	Postal Service Reform Act of 2022   The Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 3076) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 6, 2022, that sought to address healthcare and retirement benefits for postal workers, allow USPS to provide certain nonpostal products and services, and expand service performance and budgetary reporting. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[67]	Passed (79-19)
Not Voting	Bipartisan Safer Communities Act   TheBipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938) was a firearm regulation and mental health bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 25, 2022. Provisions of the bill included expanding background checks for individuals under the age of 21, providing funding for mental health services, preventing individuals who had been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor or felony in dating relationships from purchasing firearms for five years, providing funding for state grants to implement crisis intervention order programs, and providing funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[68]Click here to read more.	Passed (65-33)
Nay	Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act   The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2021, that provided for continuing fiscal year 2022 appropriations to federal agencies through December 3, 2021, in order to prevent a government shutdown that would have otherwise occurred if fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills had not been passed by October 1, 2021. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate.[69]	Passed (65-35)
Not guilty	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.   This was a resolution before the 117th Congress setting forth anarticle of impeachment saying thatDonald Trump (R) incited an insurrection against the government of the United States on January 6, 2021. The House of Representatives approved the article of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of the charges. Conviction on the impeachment charges required a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate.[70]Click here to read more.	Not guilty (57-43)
Nay	Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022   The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022 (H.R. 350) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to expand the availability and reporting of information about domestic terrorism, enhance the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) ability to prosecute domestic terrorism, among other things. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[71]	Failed (47-47)
Nay	A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2022 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023 through 2031.   This concurrent resolution (S.Con.Res. 14) was a budget resolution passed by the 117th Congress outlining the fiscal year 2022 federal government budget, setting forth budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023-2031, and providing reconciliation instructions for legislation that increased the deficit. It contained a proposed framework for theBuild Back Better Act. The resolution required 1/2 majority vote in the Senate.[72]Click here to read more.	Passed (50-49)
Nay	Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act   TheFreedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act was a federal elections bill approved by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to, among other provisions, make Election Day a public holiday, allow for same-day voter registration, establish minimum early voting periods, and allow absentee voting for any reason, restrict the removal of local election administrators in federal elections, regulate congressional redistricting, expand campaign finance disclosure rules for some organizations, and amend the Voting Rights Act to require some states to obtain clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice before implementing new election laws. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage.[73]Click here to read more.	Failed (49-51)
Yea	Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022   TheElectoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act was a bill passed by the 117th Congress in the form of an amendment to a year-end omnibus funding bill that was signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022. The bill changed the procedure for counting electoral votes outlined in the Electoral Count Act of 1887. Elements of the bill included specifying that the vice president's role at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes is ministerial, raising the objection threshold at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes to one-fifth of the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, identifying governors as the single official responsible for submitting the certificate of ascertainment identifying that state’s electors, and providing for expedited judicial review of certain claims about states' certificates identifying their electors. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to concur in the House's version of the bill.[74]Click here to read more.	Passed (68-29)

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021

The116th United States Congress began on January 9, 2019, and ended on January 3, 2021. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in theU.S. House of Representatives (235-200), and Republicans held the majority in theU.S. Senate (53-47).Donald Trump (R) was the president andMike Pence (R) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below usingCongress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021
Vote	Bill and description	Status
Yea	CARES Act   The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 27, 2020, that expanded benefits through the joint federal-state unemployment insurance program during the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation also included $1,200 payments to certain individuals, funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and funds for businesses, hospitals, and state and local governments. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.[75]	Passed (96-0)
Yea	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (S. 1790) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, setting policies and appropriations for the Department of Defense. Key features of this bill include appropriations for research/development, procurement, military construction, and operation/maintenence, as well as policies for paid family leave, North Korea nuclear sanctions, limiting the use of criminal history in federal hiring and contracting, military housing privatization, and paid family leave for federal personnel. This bill required a simple majroity vote in the Senate.[76]	Passed (86-8)
Yea	Families First Coronavirus Response Act   The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 18, 2020, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing access to unemployment benefits and food assistance, increasing funding for Medicaid, providing free testing for COVID-19, and requiring employers to provide paid sick time to employees who cannot work due to COVID-19. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.[77]	Passed (90-8)
Nay	Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020   The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1865) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, providing appropriations for federal agencies in fiscal year 2020. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.[78]	Passed (71-23)
Yea	Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020   The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 6074) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 6, 2020, providing emergency funding to federal agencies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Key features of the bill include funding for vaccine research, small business loans, humanitarian assistance to affected foreign countries, emergency preparedness, and grants for public health agencies and organizations. This bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.[79]	Passed (96-1)
Nay	Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.J.Res. 31) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 15, 2019, providing approrations for Fiscal Year 2019. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.[80]	Passed (83-16)
Yea	John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act   The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S. 47) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Doanld Trump on March 12, 2019. This bill sought to set provisions for federal land management and conservation by doing things such as conducting land exchanges and conveyances, establishing programs to respond to wildfires, and extending and reauthorizing wildlife conservation programs. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.[81]	Passed (92-8)
Nay	William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (passage)   The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020. Congress voted to override Trump's veto, and the bill became law on January 1, 2021. The bill set Department of Defense policies and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Trump vetoed the bill due to disagreement with provisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the renaming of certain military installations, limits on emergency military construction fund usage, and limits on troop withdrawals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate on passage, and a two-thirds majority vote to overcome the veto.[82]	Passed (84-13)
Nay	William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (overcoming veto)   The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020. Congress voted to override Trump's veto, and the bill became law on January 1, 2021. The bill set Department of Defense policies and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Trump vetoed the bill due to disagreement with provisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the renaming of certain military installations, limits on emergency military construction fund usage, and limits on troop withdrawals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate on passage, and a two-thirds majority vote to overcome the veto.[83]	Passed (81-13)
Yea	Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act of 2019   The Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act of 2019 (S. 1) is a bill approved by the Senate that sought to address security in certain Middle Eastern countries by sending resources to Israel, extending defense cooperation in Jordan, establishing sanctions related to the conflict in Syria, and allowing states to divest from entities boycotting Israel. The bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.[84]	Passed (77-23)
Yea	Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act   The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 8337) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on October 1st, 2020, continuing appropriations to federal agencies for Fiscal Year 2021 as well as extending certain expiring programs that address issues such as health care, surface transportation, agriculture, and veterans benefits. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.[85]	Passed (84-10)
Yea	Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1158) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 20, 2019, providing appropriations for the 2020 Fiscal Year for federal agencies. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.[86]	Passed (81-11)
Yea	Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Further Health Extenders Act of 2019   The Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Further Health Extenders Act of 2019 (H.R. 3055) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, providing Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations to federal agencies through December 20, 2019 and extending certain programs and authorites that were set to expire. This bill prevented a government shutdown, and provided a pay raise for the military, repealed a revocation of state highway funding, and modified the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.[87]	Passed (74-20)
Yea	Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act   The Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act (H.R. 1327) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 29, 2019, providing funds for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. Key features of the bill included allowing claims to be filed until October 2090, removing the cap on noneconomic damages in certain circumstances, and periodically adjusting the annual limit on economic loss compensation for inflation. This bill required a simple majority vote from the Senate.[88]	Passed (97-2)
Not guilty	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (article 1)   The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry.The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. Conviction on the impeachment charges required a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.[89]	Not Guilty (52-48)
Not guilty	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (article 2)   The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry.The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. Conviction on the impeachment charges required a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.[90]	Not Guilty (53-47)
Yea	United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act   The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 5430) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on October 21, 2020, establishing a trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada meant to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by establishing provisions such as labor and environment monitoring and enforcement, de minimis levels for U.S. exports, and cooperation among treaty members to prevent duty evasion. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.[91]	Passed (89-10)
Yea	Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act   The Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (S. 151) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 30, 2019, setting forth rules to reduce criminal robot calls. Some key featues of the bill included requiring voice service providers to develop call authentication technologies, creating rules to protect a subscriber from receiving unwanted calls or texts from a caller using an unauthenticated number, and protecting individuals from one-ring scams. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.[92]	Passed (97-1)
Yea	Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019   The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019 (H.R. 3401) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on July 1, 2019, providing emergency approprations for humanitarian assistance and security to respond to people attempting to enter the United States at the southern border. This bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.[93]	Passed (84-8)
Yea	Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019   The Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 (H.R. 2157) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on June 6, 2019, providing approprations to certain federal departments in order to address expenses incured by recent natural disasters. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.[94]	Passed (85-8)
Nay	Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019.   H.J.Res.46 (Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019.) was a resolution passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump (R). This resolution sought to terminate the national emergency related to the U.S.-Mexico border, declared by President Trump on February 15, 2019. The bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate.[95]	Passed (59-41)

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, clickhere.

• Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

  VotedNay on: First Step Act of 2018 (S 756)

   Motion Agreed to (87-12) on December 18, 2018

  Proposed making changes to the criminal justice system.^[96]

  VotedNay on: Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (HR 2)

   Conference Report Agreed to (87-13) on December 11, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023.^[97]

  VotedYea on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)

   Nomination Confirmed (50-48) on October 6, 2018

  Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States^[98]

  VotedYea on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)

   Cloture Motion Agreed to (51-49) on October 5, 2018

  Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States^[99]

  VotedNay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

   Bill Passed (86-11, 3/5 majority required) on June 28, 2018

  Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance.^[100]

  VotedYea on: Immigration reform proposal from Sen. Chuck Grassley and the Trump administration (S Amdt 1959 to HR 2579)

   Cloture Motion Rejected (39-60, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018

  Proposed providing a path to citizenship for 1.8 million individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, limits on chain migration or family-based migration, and eliminating the visa lottery system.^[101]

  VotedNay on: Immigration reform proposal from the Common Sense Coalition (S Amdt 1958 to HR 2579)

   Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018

  Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, and limitations on chain or family-based immigration.^[102]

  VotedYea on: Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act amendment (S Amdt 1948 to S Amdt 1959)

   Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018

  Proposed withholding funding from sanctuary jurisdictions for not cooperating with federal immigration officials.^[103]

  VotedNay on: Coons-McCain immigration plan (S Amdt 1955 to S Amdt 1958)

   Cloture Motion Rejected (52-47, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018

  Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children and conducting a study to determine what border security measures were needed. It also proposed requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure the U.S.-Mexico border by 2021.^[104]

  VotedYea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S 2311)

   Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected (51-46, 3/5 majority required) on January 29, 2018

  Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill proposed providing exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.^[105]

  VotedYea on: An amendment to repeal the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it—"Skinny bill" (S Amdt 667 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628 the American Health Care Act of 2017)

   Amendment Rejected (49-51) on July 28, 2017

  The amendment proposed repealing the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it.^[106]

  VotedYea on: An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271) (S Amdt 271 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)

   Amendment Rejected (45-55) on July 26, 2017

  An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271)^[107]

  VotedNay on: Motion to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, including Cruz and Portman amendments (S Amdt 270 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)

   Motion Rejected (43-57, 3/5 majority required) on July 25, 2017

  A procedural vote to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA), including the Cruz and Portman amendments.^[108]

  VotedYea on: Motion to begin debate on the American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

   Motion to Proceed Agreed to (50-50, Vice President voted Yea) on July 25, 2017

  Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to title II of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2017.^[109]

  VotedYea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(4)—confirmation vote)

   Nomination Confirmed (54-45) on April 7, 2017

  Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—confirmation vote.^[110]

  VotedYea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(3))

   Cloture Motion Agreed to (55-45) on April 6, 2017

  Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—second vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination under the new precedent requiring only a simple majority to pass.^[111]

  
  

  VotedNay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(2))

   Decision of Chair Not Sustained (48-52) on April 6, 2017

  Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—a vote to keep the Senate precedent of requiring 60 votes to close debate on Supreme Court nominations.^[112]

  VotedYea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55)

   Cloture Motion Rejected (55-45, 3/5 majority required) on April 6, 2017

  Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—initial vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination.^[113]

• Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

  VotedYea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)

   Conference Report Agreed to (93-7) on September 18, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[114]

  VotedYea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)

   Conference Report Agreed to (92-5) on September 12, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[115]

  VotedYea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)

   Bill Passed (85-7) on August 23, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education.^[116]

  VotedYea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)

   Bill Passed (86-5) on June 25, 2018

  Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs.^[117]

  VotedNay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

   Motion Agreed to (65-32) on March 23, 2018

  Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.^[118]

  VotedYea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

   Motion Agreed to (71-28) on February 9, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018^[119]

  VotedYea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

   Cloture Motion Rejected (55-44, 3/5 majority required) on February 8, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018.^[120]

  VotedYea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

   Motion Agreed to (81-18) on January 22, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[121]

  VotedYea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

   Cloture Motion Agreed to (81-18, 3/5 majority required) on January 22, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.^[122]

  VotedYea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

   Cloture Motion Rejected (50-49, 3/5 majority required) on January 19, 2018

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[123]

  VotedYea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

   Motion Agreed to (66-32, 3/5 majority required) on December 21, 2017

  Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.^[124]

  VotedYea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Motion Agreed to (51-48) on December 20, 2017

  Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 and proposed changes to the tax code.^[125]

  VotedYea on: "A joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes." (HJ Res 123)

   Joint Resolution Passed (81-14) on December 7, 2017

  Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.^[126]

  VotedYea on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

   Bill Passed (51-49) on December 2, 2017

  Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.^[127]

  VotedYea on: A concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

   Concurrent Resolution Agreed to (51-49) on October 19, 2017

  Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027.^[128]

  VotedYea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

   Motion Agreed to (80-17) on September 7, 2017

  Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.^[129]

  VotedNay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

   Motion Agreed to (79-18) on May 4, 2017

  The $1.2 trillion budget bill proposed funding the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.^[130]

• Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand)

  VotedNay on: "A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress." (SJ Res 54)

   Joint Resolution Passed (56-41) on December 13, 2018

  Proposed removing United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that were not authorized by Congress.^[131]

  VotedYea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

   Bill Passed (89-8) on September 18, 2017

  Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, and to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. On November 15, 2017, the Senate passed the defense policy bill by voice vote. This bill was the result of compromises made in the conference report. For more information on the compromise bill,click here.^[132][133]

  VotedYea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

   Bill Passed (98-2) on July 27, 2017

  Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[134]

  VotedYea on: Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 (S 722)

   Bill Passed (98-2) on June 15, 2017

  Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.^[135]

114th Congress

The first session of the114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[136][137] The Senate confirmed 18,117 out of 21,815 executive nominations received (83 percent). For more information pertaining to Cotton's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[138]

Economic and fiscal

Trade Act of 2015

See also:The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015

On May 22, 2015, theSenate passedHR 1314, which was used as a legislative vehicle for trade legislation with the titles "Trade Act of 2015" and the "Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015," by a vote of 62-37. The bill proposed giving the presidenttrade promotion authority (TPA). TPA, also known as fast track authority, allows the president to negotiate trade deals that cannot be amended byCongress. Congress casts a simple up or down vote on a trade agreement, and the legislation only requires a simple majority for approval. The bill also included a statement of trade priorities and provisions fortrade adjustment assistance. Cotton voted with 47 otherRepublicansenators to approve the bill.^[139][140]
Trade promotion authority
On June 24, 2015, by a vote of 60-38, theSenate approvedtrade promotion authority (TPA) as part ofHR 2146 - Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act. Cotton was one of 47Republicans to vote in favor of the bill. After, SenateRepublican leadership honored a pledge to supporttrade adjustment assistance (TAA) by passing the measure as part ofHR 1295 - Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 by voice vote. TheHouse passed HR 1295 the following day, on June 25, 2015, and both TPA and TAA were signed into law on June 29, 2015.^{[141][142][143]}

2016 Budget proposal

On May 5, 2015, theSenate voted to approveSConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 51-48. The non-binding resolution will be used to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. The vote marked the first time since 2009 thatCongress approved a joint budget resolution. All 44Democrats voted against the resolution. Cotton voted with 50 otherRepublicansenators to approve the bill.^{[144][145][146]}

Defense spending authorization

On November 10, 2015, theSenate passedS 1356 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 91-3. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included "$5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget" and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison.^[147][148] Cotton voted with 47Republicans, 42Democrats and one independent to approve the bill.^[149] On November 5, 2015, theHouse passed the bill by a vote of 370-58, and PresidentBarack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[150]

On June 18, 2015, theSenate passedHR 1735 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 71-25. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Cotton voted with 48Republicans, 21Democrats and one Independent to approve the bill.^[151] TheHouse passed the bill on May 15, 2015.^[152] PresidentBarack Obamavetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[153]

2015 budget

On October 30, 2015, theSenate passedHR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 by a vote of 64-35. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017.^[154] Cotton voted with 34Republicans against the bill.^[155] It passed theHouse on October 28, 2015.^[156] PresidentBarack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs

Iran nuclear deal

See also:Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 7, 2015, theSenate voted to approveHR 1191 - A bill to provide for congressional review and oversight of agreements relating to Iran's nuclear program, and for other purposes, by a vote of 98-1. The bill requires PresidentBarack Obama to submit the details of a nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review, if negotiators reach a final agreement.Congress will have 30 days to review the deal and vote to approve or disapprove the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran cannot be lifted. Senator Cotton was the onlyRepublican who voted against the bill, with the 52 otherRepublicansenators approving the bill.^[157][158]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015
On September 10, 2015, theSenate voted tofilibuster the measure to disapprove of theIran nuclear deal by a vote of 58-42.^[159] Sixty votes were needed to proceed toHJ Res 61 - the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, the legislative vehicle the Senate was expected to use to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. Cotton voted with 53 otherRepublicans and fourDemocrats to proceed to the measure of disapproval.^[160]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 follow up votes
On September 15, 2015, theSenate voted for a second time tofilibuster the measure to disapprove of theIran nuclear deal by a vote of 56-42.^[161] Sixty votes were needed to proceed toHJ Res 61 - the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, the legislative vehicle the Senate was expected to use to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. Cotton voted with 51Republicans and fourDemocrats to proceed to the measure of disapproval.^[162] The legislation was voted on for a third time on September 17, and it failed for a third time by a vote of 56-42.^[163]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 fourth vote
On September 17, 2015, theSenate voted tofilibuster a vote onS.Amdt.2656 to S.Amdt.2640 by a vote of 53-45. The amendment proposed prohibiting "the President from waiving, suspending, reducing, providing relief from, or otherwise limiting the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran."^[164] Cotton voted with 51Republicans and oneDemocrat to proceed to the amendment.^[165]

Domestic

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

On June 2, 2015, theSenate passedHR 2048 - the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 by a vote of 67-32. The legislation revisedHR 3199 - the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 by terminating the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from theForeign Intelligence Surveillance Court and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Cotton voted with 29Republicans, oneDemocrat and oneindependent against the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[166][167]

Loretta Lynch AG nomination

On April 23, 2015, theSenate voted toconfirmLoretta Lynch asUnited States Attorney General by a vote of 56-43. All 44Democratic senators voted to confirm Lynch. Cotton voted with 42 otherRepublicansenators against Lynch's confirmation.^[168]

Cyber security

On October 27, 2015, theSenate passedS 754 - the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 by a vote of 74-21.^[169] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Cotton voted with 42Republicans, 30Democrats and one independent in favor of the bill.^[170]

113th Congress

The second session of the113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[171] For more information pertaining to Cotton's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[172]

Immigration

On October 20, 2015, theSenate voted against proceeding to a vote onS 2146 - the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act by a vote of 54-45. The bill proposed withholding federal funding from "sanctuary jurisdictions" that violate the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and other federal immigration laws. In addition, the bill proposed increasing "penalties for individuals who illegally reenter the United States after being removed" and providing "liability protection for State and local law enforcement who cooperate with Federal law enforcement."^[173] Cotton voted with 51Republicans and twoDemocrats in favor of proceeding to the bill.^[174]

National security

NDAA

Cotton voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.^[175]

DHS Appropriations

Cotton voted for HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.^[176]

CISPA (2013)

Cotton voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.^[177]

Economy

Farm bill

On January 29, 2014, theU.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013,H.R. 2642, also known as theFarm Bill.^[178] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.^[179][180] It also cut the food stamp program an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.^[180] Cotton voted with 62 otherRepublicanrepresentatives against the bill.

2014 Budget

On January 15, 2014, theRepublican-runHouse approvedH.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.^[181][182] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64Republicans and threeDemocrats voting against the bill.^[182] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.^[183] It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency and protected theAffordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Cotton joined with the 63 otherRepublicans and 3Democrats who voted against the bill.^[181][182]

Government shutdown

See also:United States budget debate, 2013

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.^[184] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen.Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.^[185] Cotton voted to approve the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.^[186]

The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by theSenate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made bySenate Democrats was to require income verification forObamacare subsidies.^[187] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming fromRepublican members. Cotton voted for HR 2775.^[188]

Cotton declined to accept his salary while the government was shutdown.^[189]

Federal Pay Adjustment Act

Cotton voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years.^[190]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

Cotton voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status.^[191] The vote largely followed party lines.^[192]

Healthcare

Healthcare Reform Rules

Cotton voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.^[193]

Social issues

Abortion

Cotton voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill was to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.^[194]

Government affairs

HR 676

See also:Boehner's lawsuit against the Obama administration

On July 30, 2014, theU.S. House approveda resolution 225 to 201 to sue President Barack Obama for exceeding his constitutional authority. FiveRepublicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky,Paul Broun of Georgia,Scott Garrett of New Jersey,Walter Jones of North Carolina andSteve Stockman of Texas—voted withDemocrats against the lawsuit.^[195] Cotton joined the other 224Republicans in favor of the lawsuit. All Democrats voted against the resolution.^[196][197]

Candidate

Officeholder