Mitch McConnell

	Mitch McConnell
	Republican National Convention, 2016
Status:	Delegate
State:	Kentucky
Bound to:	Unknown
	Delegates to the RNC 2016
	Calendar and delegate rules overview • Types of delegates • Delegate rules by state • State election law and delegates • Delegates by state

Mitch McConnell (Republican Party) is a member of the U.S. Senate from Kentucky. He assumed office on January 3, 1985. His current term ends on January 3, 2027.

On February 20, 2025, McConnell announced he would not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2026. In his announcement, he said, "Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate. Every day in between I’ve been humbled by the trust they’ve placed in me to do their business here. Representing our Commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime."^[1] Click here for more details.

McConnell served as the Senate majority leader between 2015 and 2021.^[2] He also served as Senate minority leader between 2007 and 2015, and again between 2021 and 2025.^[2] In 2023, McConnell became the longest-serving U.S. Senate leader in history.^[3] He announced on February 28, 2024, that he would step down as leader in November 2024.^[4]

McConnell was born in Sheffield, Alabama, in 1942 and graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1967.^[5] He served as judge-executive of Jefferson County, Kentucky, from 1979 to 1985, when he was first elected to the Senate.^[6] ^[7]

According to The Washington Post's Dan Balz, McConnell's "overriding priority was to remake the federal judiciary."^[8] In 2016, McConnell delayed a vote on Merrick Garland, then-President Barack Obama's (D) nominee to fill the late Justice Antonin Scalia's seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. McConnell said, "The American people should have a say in the court's direction. It is a president's constitutional right to nominate a Supreme Court justice, and it is the Senate's constitutional right to act as a check on the president and withhold its consent."^[9] Donald Trump (R) won the presidential election in 2016. Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch to the court on January 31, 2017.

Under McConnell's leadership from 2017 to 2021, the Senate confirmed three of President Trump's U.S. Supreme Court nominees, expanding the Court's conservative majority. Politico's Burgess Everett wrote, "After Democrats took the House in 2018, McConnell went into overdrive and nearly doubled his pace of lower-court confirmations. Ultimately, Trump and McConnell ushered in three new Supreme Court justices, 54 Circuit Court justices and 174 District Court justices — all lifetime appointees, many of them relatively young."^[10]

National Review's Rich Lowry said McConnell would "be remembered as one of the most effective Senate majority leaders in the modern era. A portion of an early Democratic presidential debate was devoted to asking candidates how they’d get around McConnell as president — and none of them had a good answer."^[11]

Biography

McConnell was born in Tuscambia, Alabama in 1942. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Louisville in 1964 and his J.D. from the University of Kentucky Law School, Lexington in 1967.^[12]^[6] McConnell worked as a law clerk for Sen. Marlow Cook (R) from 1968 to 1970, as eputy Assistant United States Attorney for Legislative Affairs, and as Acting Assistant Attorney General. McConnell served as the judge-executive of Jefferson County from 1979 to 1985.^[6]

Committee assignments

U.S. Senate

2025-2026

McConnell was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

2023-2024

McConnell was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

2021-2022

McConnell was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, McConnell was assigned to the following committees:^[13]

2015-2016

McConnell served on the following Senate committees:^[14]

Select Committee on Intelligence
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
- Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry and Natural Resources
- Subcommittee on Livestock, Marketing and Agriculture Security
- Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops, and Agricultural Research
Appropriations Committee
- Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Department of Defense
- Subcommittee on Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
- Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
Rules and Administration Committee

2013-2014

McConnell served on the following Senate committees:^[15]^[16]

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
- Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Marketing and Agriculture Security
- Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Food and Agricultural Research
- Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry and Natural Resources
Appropriations Committee
- Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
- Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
- Subcommittee on Department of Defense
- Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
- Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Rules and Administration Committee
Select Committee on Intelligence

2011-2012

McConnell served on the following Senate committees:^[17]

Elections

2026

General election

The primary will occur on May 19, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.

General election for U.S. Senate Kentucky

Christopher Campbell is running in the general election for U.S. Senate Kentucky on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Christopher Campbell (Independent)

	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Kentucky

The following candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Kentucky on May 19, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Logan Forsythe
		Jared Randall
	Submit photo	Dale Romans
		Pamela Stevenson
	Submit photo	Vincent Thompson
	Submit photo	Joel Willett

	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Kentucky

The following candidates are running in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Kentucky on May 19, 2026.

		Candidate
		Andy Barr
		Daniel Cameron
		Mike Faris
	Submit photo	Wende Kennedy
		Nate Morris
	Submit photo	Andrew Shelley

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Jacob Trimble (R)
Mitch McConnell (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2020

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Kentucky

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Senate Kentucky on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Mitch McConnell (R)	57.8	1,233,315
	Amy McGrath (D)	38.2	816,257
	Brad Barron (L)	4.0	85,386
	Paul John Frangedakis (Unaffiliated) (Write-in)	0.0	70
	Daniel Cobble (Unaffiliated) (Write-in)	0.0	18
	Randall Lee Teegarden (Unaffiliated) (Write-in)	0.0	9

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,135,055
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Derek Leonard Petteys (Reform Party)
Alyssa Dara McDowell (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Kentucky

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Kentucky on June 23, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Amy McGrath	45.4	247,037
		Charles Booker	42.6	231,888
		Mike Broihier	5.0	27,175
		Mary Ann Tobin	2.0	11,108
		Maggie Jo Hilliard	1.1	6,224
	Submit photo	Andrew Maynard	1.1	5,974
		Bennie Smith	0.9	5,040
		Jimmy Ausbrooks	0.7	3,629
		Eric Rothmuller	0.6	2,995
	Submit photo	John Sharpensteen	0.5	2,992

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 544,062
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Kentucky

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Kentucky on June 23, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mitch McConnell	82.8	342,660
		C. Wesley Morgan	6.2	25,588
	Submit photo	Louis Grider	3.3	13,771
		Paul John Frangedakis	2.9	11,957
	Submit photo	Naren James	2.6	10,693
	Submit photo	Kenneth Lowndes	1.3	5,548
	Submit photo	Nicholas Alsager	0.9	3,603

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 413,820
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Karl Das (R)
Wendell Crow (R)

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Kentucky

Brad Barron advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. Senate Kentucky on March 7, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Brad Barron (L)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
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2014

See also: United States Senate elections in Kentucky, 2014

McConnell won the nomination in the Republican primary on May 20, 2014. He then defeated Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes in the general election.

**U.S. Senate, Kentucky General Election, 2014**
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Mitch McConnell Incumbent	56.2%	806,787
	Democratic	Alison Lundergan Grimes	40.7%	584,698
	Libertarian	David Patterson	3.1%	44,240
Total Votes				1,435,725
Source: Kentucky Secretary of State

**U.S. Senate, Kentucky Republican Primary, 2014**
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Mitch McConnell Incumbent	60.2%	213,753
Matt Bevin	35.4%	125,787
Shawna Sterling	2%	7,214
Chris Payne	1.5%	5,338
Brad Copas	0.9%	3,024
Total Votes		355,116
Source: Kentucky State Board of Elections

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Mitch McConnell, click [show] to expand the section.

2008

On November 4, 2008, Mitch McConnell won re-election to the United States Senate. He defeated Bruce Lunsford (D) in the general election.^[18]

U.S. Senate, Kentucky General Election, 2008
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Mitch McConnell incumbent	53%	953,816
	Democratic	Bruce Lunsford	47%	847,005
Total Votes				1,800,821

2002

On November 5, 2002, Mitch McConnell won re-election to the United States Senate. He defeated Lois Combs Weinberg (D) in the general election.^[19]

U.S. Senate, Kentucky General Election, 2002
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Mitch McConnell incumbent	64.7%	731,679
	Democratic	Lois Combs Weinberg	35.3%	399,634
Total Votes				1,131,313

1996

On November 5, 1996, Mitch McConnell won re-election to the United States Senate. He defeated Steven L. Beshear (D), Dennis L. Lacy (L), Patricia Jo Metten (Natural Law) and Mac McElroy (U.S. Taxpayers) in the general election.^[20]

U.S. Senate, Kentucky General Election, 1996
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Mitch McConnell incumbent	55.5%	724,794
	Democratic	Steven L. Beshear	42.8%	560,012
	Libertarian	Dennis L. Lacy	0.7%	8,595
	Natural Law	Patricia Jo Metten	0.6%	8,344
	U.S. Taxpayers	Mac McElroy	0.4%	5,284
	N/A	Write-in	0%	17
Total Votes				1,307,046

1990

On November 6, 1990, Mitch McConnell won re-election to the United States Senate. He defeated G. Harvey Sloane (D) in the general election.^[21]

U.S. Senate, Kentucky General Election, 1990
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Mitch McConnell incumbent	52.2%	478,034
	Democratic	G. Harvey Sloane	47.8%	437,976
Total Votes				916,010

1984

On November 6, 1984, Mitch McConnell won election to the United States Senate. He defeated Walter (Dee) Huddleton (D) and Dave Welters (Socialist Workers) in the general election.^[22]

U.S. Senate, Kentucky General Election, 1984
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Mitch McConnell	49.9%	644,990
	Democratic	Walter (Dee) Huddleton	49.5%	639,721
	Socialist Workers	Dave Welters	0.6%	7,696
Total Votes				1,292,407

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Mitch McConnell did not complete Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Mitch McConnell did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

McConnell's campaign website stated the following:

“

Defending Conservatism

After Justice Antonin Scalia passed away during a presidential election, McConnell made the consequential decision to let the American people decide who they wanted to appoint the next Supreme Court justice. Accordingly, the Senate confirmed Justice Neil Gorsuch’s nomination following President Trump’s election. Last fall, McConnell also led Senate Republicans through the shameful intimidation tactics of the far-left and their mainstream media allies to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

“Mitch McConnell has saved the Constitution” – Hugh Hewitt

Under McConnell’s leadership, the United States Senate has fundamentally transformed the federal judiciary by confirming pro-Constitution judges at a clip typically reserved for the first Saturday in May. Additionally, McConnell prioritized the confirmation of a record 30 circuit courts judges, including three Kentuckians in President Trump’s first two years. He also led the confirmations of 53 district court judges, three of whom are Kentuckians.

McConnell steered a tax package which helped create an estimated 1.5 million new jobs across the country, along with higher wages, bigger bonuses, and “the hottest job market in half a century.” McConnell’s work on the successful Republican push to rewrite the tax code for the first time in more than 30 years continues to yield tremendous benefits for Kentucky families.

“Arguably the most consequential conservative leader of the century” – Marc Thiessen

Coupled with his historic efforts to reshape the courts and revamp the tax code, McConnell has worked to slash red tape and strengthen our military. Through the “most ambitious regulatory rollback since Reagan,” Congress repealed 16 major Obama regulations, including against coal workers. Further, by prioritizing legislation to reduce regulations on the over 120 community banks and credit unions in Kentucky, McConnell helped small businesses and family farms that rely on these institutions for credit.

McConnell also shepherded the biggest year-over-year increase in defense funding in 15 years, ending President Obama’s dangerous military cuts and providing a pay raise for troops. As Majority Leader, McConnell’s support has led to hundreds of millions of dollars for projects at Fort Knox, Fort Campbell and the Bluegrass Army Depot.

Delivering for the Commonwealth

McConnell has delivered tens of millions of dollars to Kentucky to combat the opioid epidemic and authored legislation enacted into law to help infants born to mothers addicted to opioids. His bill, the CAREER Act, was signed into law to help individuals in recovery find and maintain employment and a stable living situation. McConnell also shepherded the Protecting Moms and Infants Act into law to help stop the heartbreaking effects of babies born into addiction. That bill builds upon his 2015 legislation, which was the first federal law to address prenatal opioid exposure.

Along with his work to repeal regulations against coal miners, McConnell introduced the HELP for Coal Miners Health Care Act, which permanently shored up health care benefits for more than 3,000 retired coal miners in Kentucky. Through his Preventing Maternal Death Act to address the spike in maternal mortality, McConnell also led authorization of federal resources to establish maternal mortality review committees.

A champion for the Commonwealth’s agricultural community, McConnell put himself on the Farm Bill Conference Committee to fight for his monumental hemp initiative. Because of McConnell’s bill, hemp cultivation is now legal after a decades-long federal ban.

“Without him we would not have the program we have today.” – Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner.

And while the pro-hemp provision will open new doors, McConnell made sure Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College wasn’t forced to close theirs. When SKCTC nearly lost eligibility for federal student loan and financial aid programs, McConnell secured a provision allowing the school to file an appeal to the Department of Education – which was ultimately granted – so it can stay open. McConnell also secured a provision to protect Berea College from an excise tax imposed on large private college endowments that threatened to reduce the number of scholarships it could offer low-income students in Appalachia.

Among the many other accomplishments on his “list of triumphs” for Kentuckians, McConnell secured legislation to block costly administrative fees for Rough River residents – which could have reached $4,000 per household – following the discovery of Army Corps surveying errors. And when the Army Corps tried to prohibit fishing at dams along the Cumberland River, McConnell secured a bill to stop it. Last fall, McConnell also led the successful reauthorization of his provision to continue protecting your right to fish these waters.

Together with the Army Corps’ dedication of an additional $300,000 for clean-up efforts at Fishtrap Lake at his request, McConnell secured $11 million to combat the invasion of Asian Carp and extended U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s focus into our Western Kentucky lakes.^[23]

”

—Mitch McConnell's campaign website (2020)^[24]

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Mitch McConnell campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. Senate Kentucky	Withdrew primary	$7,755,497	$7,314,246
2020	U.S. Senate Kentucky	Won general	$73,952,187	$67,388,726
2014	U.S. Senate (Kentucky)	Won	$30,845,825	N/A**
2008	U.S. Senate (Kentucky)	Won	$20,991,678	N/A**
2002	U.S. Senate (Kentucky)	Won	$5,981,486	N/A**
Grand total			$139,526,673	$74,702,972
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Notable endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope.

Notable candidate endorsements by Mitch McConnell
Endorsee	Election	Stage	Outcome
Donald Trump ^source (Conservative Party, R)	President of the United States (2024)		Won General
Jim Banks ^source (R)	U.S. Senate Indiana (2024)	Primary	Won General
Jim Justice ^source (R)	U.S. Senate West Virginia (2024)	Primary	Won General
Daniel Cameron ^source (R)	Governor of Kentucky (2023)	General	Lost General
Lisa Murkowski ^source (R)	U.S. Senate Alaska (2022)	Primary	Won General
Herschel Walker ^source (R)	U.S. Senate Georgia (2022)	Primary	Lost General Runoff
Donald Trump ^source (R)	President of the United States (2016)	Primary	Won General

Personal finance disclosures

Members of the Senate are required to file financial disclosure reports. You can search disclosure reports on the Senate’s official website here.

Analysis

Below are links to scores and rankings Ballotpedia compiled for members of Congress. We chose analyses that help readers understand how each individual legislator fit into the context of the chamber as a whole in terms of ideology, bill advancement, bipartisanship, and more.

If you would like to suggest an analysis for inclusion in this section, please email editor@ballotpedia.org.

119th Congress (2025-2027)

Rankings and scores for the 119th Congress

118th Congress (2023-2025)

Rankings and scores for the 118th Congress

117th Congress (2021-2023)

Rankings and scores for the 117th Congress

116th Congress (2019-2021)

Rankings and scores for the 116th Congress

Voting alignment with the president

Analysis of percentage of votes that aligned with the president's positions

GovTrack Ideology scores

Ideological scores for members of Congress based on patterns of co-sponsorship

Center for Effective Lawmaking scores

Effectiveness scores based on bills sponsored, actions taken on sponsored bills, and substantiveness of bills

Lugar - McCourt Bipartisan Index

Bipartisan rankings based on cross-party bill co-sponsorship

115th Congress (2017-2019)

Rankings and scores for the 115th Congress

Voting alignment with the president

Analysis of percentage of votes that aligned with the president's positions

GovTrack Ideology scores

Ideological scores for members of Congress based on patterns of co-sponsorship

Center for Effective Lawmaking scores

Effectiveness scores based on bills sponsored, actions taken on sponsored bills, and substantiveness of bills

Lugar - McCourt Bipartisan Index

Bipartisan rankings based on cross-party bill co-sponsorship

114th Congress (2015-2017)

Rankings and scores for the 114th Congress

GovTrack Ideology scores

Ideological scores for members of Congress based on patterns of co-sponsorship

Center for Effective Lawmaking scores

Effectiveness scores based on bills sponsored, actions taken on sponsored bills, and substantiveness of bills

Lugar - McCourt Bipartisan Index

Bipartisan rankings based on cross-party bill co-sponsorship

Open Congress' "Votes most/least often with" and "Voting with party"

List of members of Congress this legislator voted most and least often with and percentage of votes aligned with their party

113th Congress (2013-2015)

Rankings and scores for the 113th Congress

GovTrack Ideology scores

Ideological scores for members of Congress based on patterns of co-sponsorship

Center for Effective Lawmaking scores

Effectiveness scores based on bills sponsored, actions taken on sponsored bills, and substantiveness of bills

Lugar - McCourt Bipartisan Index

Bipartisan rankings based on cross-party bill co-sponsorship

Open Congress' "Votes most/least often with" list and "Voting with party" percentage

List of members of Congress this legislator voted most and least often with and percentage of votes aligned with their party

National Journal vote ratings

Ideological scores based on members' voting record

Noteworthy events

Hospitalization to treat concussion

On March 8, 2023, McConnell fell while attending a dinner for the Senate Leadership Fund. McConnell suffered a concussion as a result of the fall and was hospitalized for observation.^[25]

Selection as Senate minority leader

See also: U.S. Senate leadership elections, 2023

McConnell was re-elected to be Senate minority leader in the 118th Congress when Senate Republicans held their leadership elections on November 16, 2022. He defeated Rick Scott 37-10.^[26]

Impeachment of President Donald Trump

See also: Impeachment of Donald Trump

On February 5, 2020, President Donald Trump (R) was acquitted of abuse of power by a vote of 52-48 and obstruction of Congress by a vote of 53-47.^[27]

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) first announced the House would pursue an inquiry into Trump on September 24, 2019, following allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid.^[28]

Trump denied the allegations and called the inquiry "the worst witch hunt in political history."^[29]^[30]

Following weeks of public hearings, the House voted to impeach Trump on December 18, 2019, charging him with abuse of power by a vote of 230-197 and obstruction of Congress by a vote of 229-198.^[31] For a breakdown of the U.S. House votes by representative and party, click here.

As majority leader, McConnell was responsible for proposing the rules to govern the impeachment trial in the Senate.^[32]

Letter to Iran

On March 9, 2015, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) wrote a letter to Iran's leadership, warning them that signing a nuclear deal with the Obama administration without congressional approval constituted only an executive agreement. The letter also stated that "The next president could revoke such an executive agreement with the stroke of a pen and future Congresses could modify the terms of the agreement at any time." The letter was signed by 47 Republican members of the Senate. McConnell was one of the 47 who signed the letter. No Democrats signed it.^[33]

Members of the Obama administration and of Congress reacted to the letter.^[34] Vice President Joe Biden said of the letter, "In thirty-six years in the United States Senate, I cannot recall another instance in which senators wrote directly to advise another country — much less a longtime foreign adversary — that the president does not have the constitutional authority to reach a meaningful understanding with them."^[35]

EPA Clean Power Plan

In 2014, McConnell urged states not to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan. He said of the plan, "The sad truth is that the only thing America will lead in if these rules go into effect is the unilateral dismantling of our own economic supremacy and the self-imposed destruction of one of our nation’s main competitive advantages in the global economy."^[36]

Abortion

On June 28, 2014, McConnell promised in a speaking engagement with the National Right to Life Convention that he would focus more attention on limiting abortions if Republicans took control of the Senate in 2014.^[37]

"For six years, the president has been isolated from this growing movement. He will be forced to listen to the cause that's brought us all here this morning. Senate Dems would be forced to take a stand," McConnell said.^[37]

Immigration

On February 4, 2014, McConnell discussed immigration reform, saying, "We have sort of an irresolvable conflict here. The Senate insists on comprehensive. The House says it won’t go to conference with the Senate on comprehensive and wants to look at step-by-step. I don’t see how you get to an outcome this year with the two bodies in such a different place."^[38]^[39]

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023-2025

The 118th United States Congress began on January 3, 2023, and ended on January 3, 2025. At the start of the session, Republicans held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-212), and Democrats held the majority in the U.S. Senate (51-49). Joe Biden (D) was the president and Kamala Harris (D) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023-2025

Vote

Bill and description

Status

Yea

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (H.R. 2670) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 22, 2023, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2024. The bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report.^[40]

Passed (87-13)^[41]

Yea

Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024

The Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (H.R. 6363) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 17, 2023, providing for the funding of federal agencies through January 19, 2024. The bill prevented a government shutdown that would have taken place if funding was not approved by November 17, 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.^[42]

Passed (87-11)^[43]

Yea

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act

The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 5860) was a bill approved by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2023, providing for the funding of federal agencies through November 17, 2023. The bill prevented a government shutdown that would have taken place if funding was not approved by October 1, 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.^[44]

Passed (88-9)^[45]

Yea

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023

The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (H.R. 3746) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 3, 2023. The bill raised the federal debt limit until January 2025. The bill also capped non-defense spending in fiscal year 2024, rescinded unspent coronavirus relief funding, rescinded some Internal Revenue Service (IRS) funding, enhanced work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program (TANF), simplified environmental reviews for energy projects, and ended the student loan debt repayment pause in August 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.^[46] Click here to read more.

Passed (63-36)^[47]

Not Voting

Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020.

H.J.Res. 7 (Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020.) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 10, 2023. The resolution ended the national coronavirus state of emergency, which began on March 13, 2020. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[48] Click here to read more.

Passed (68-23)^[49]

Yea

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".

H.J.Res. 44 (Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate. The bill sought to nullify a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) rule establishing criteria to determine whether firearms equipped with stabilizing braces that facilitate shoulder fire were subject to regulation under the National Firearms Act. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[50]

Failed (50-49)^[51]

Yea

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".

H.J.Res. 30 (Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the 118th Congress and vetoed by President Joe Biden (D) on March 20, 2023. This was Biden's first veto of his presidency. The resolution sought to nullify a Department of Labor rule that amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow retirement plans to consider certain environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors in investment-related decisions. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate.^[52] Click here to read more.

Passed (50-46)^[53]

Nay

The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023

The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (H.R. 82) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on January 5, 2025, that reduced Social Security benefits for individuals who received other pensions from state or local governments. It also eliminated an offset that would reduce benefits for spouses and widows of individuals with government pensions. It also eliminated a provision that reduced benefits for an individual who received a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes. This bill required a 2/3rds majority vote to pass.^[54]

Passed (76-20)^[55]

Yea

Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024

The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024 (H.R. 4366) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 9, 2024, authorizing appropriations for various government departments for the fiscal year 2024. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report.^[56]

Passed (75-22)^[57]

Yea

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 3935) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on May 16, 2024, that reauthorized Federal Aviation Administration funding until fiscal year 2028. The bill also made other modifications to address various department-related issues. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report. ^[58]

Passed (88-4)^[59]

Nay

Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors (dismissal of first article)

H.Res.863 Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors, passed the U.S. House on February 13, 2024. The resolution impeached U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas for high crimes and misdemeanors. The motion to impeach required a majority in the House and a 2/3rds vote in the Senate.^[60]

Passed (51-48)^[61]

Nay

Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors (dismissal of second article)

H.Res.863 Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors, passed the U.S. House on February 13, 2024. The resolution impeached U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas for high crimes and misdemeanors. The motion to impeach required a majority in the House and a 2/3rds vote in the Senate.^[62]

Passed (51-49)^[63]

Yea

Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes.

H.R. 815, Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes, was passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 24, 2024, appropriating foreign aid to Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. The bill also mandated the company ByteDance divested from TikTok or the app would be removed from the U.S. This bill required a majority vote.^[64]

Passed (79-18)^[65]

Nay

Border Act of 2024

The Border Act of 2024 (S.4361) was voted down in the U.S. Senate on April 23, 2024. The bill would have expanded the Department of Homeland Security's capabilities of handling individuals entering/residing in the country without permission. It would have expanded the Department's capabilities at the border. It required 3/5ths of the vote to pass cloture.^[66]

Failed (43-50)^[67]

Nay

Right to IVF Act

S.4445, the Right to IVF Act, was voted down in the U.S. Senate on September 17, 2024. The bill would have codified access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) into law. This bill required a 3/5ths majority vote to pass cloture.^[68]

Failed (51-44)^[69]

Yea

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025

H.R.9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, was passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 26, 2024, providing funding to federal agencies, including the Secret Service, and federal programs for the 2025 fiscal year. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report.^[70]

Passed (78-18)^[71]

Nay

Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 (H.R.7024) was a bill passed by the U.S. House on January 31, 2024, that would have modified the U.S. tax code, increasing how much money can be given back in credits and what is exempt. This bill required a 2/3rds majority vote to pass.^[72]

Failed (48-44)^[73]

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023

The 117th 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 the U.S. House of Representatives (222-213), and the U.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023

Vote

Bill and description

Status

Yea

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

The Infrastructure 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.^[74] Click here to read more.

Passed (69-30)

Nay

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

The American 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.^[75] Click here to read more.

Passed (50-49)

Nay

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

The Inflation 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.^[76] 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, authorizing Department 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.^[77]

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.^[78]

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.^[79]

Passed (86-11)

Yea

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.^[80]

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.^[81]

Failed (46-48)

Yea

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.^[82]

Passed (68-31)

Nay

Respect for Marriage Act

The Respect 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.^[83] 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.^[84]

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 the Department 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.^[85]

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.^[86]

Passed (79-19)

Yea

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

The Bipartisan 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.^[87] Click here to read more.

Passed (65-33)

Yea

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.^[88]

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 an article of impeachment saying that Donald 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.^[89] 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.^[90]

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 the Build Back Better Act. The resolution required 1/2 majority vote in the Senate.^[91] Click here to read more.

Passed (50-49)

Nay

Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act

The Freedom 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.^[92] Click here to read more.

Failed (49-51)

Yea

Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022

The Electoral 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.^[93] Click here to read more.

Passed (68-29)

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021

The 116th 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 the U.S. House of Representatives (235-200), and Republicans held the majority in the U.S. Senate (53-47). Donald Trump (R) was the president and Mike Pence (R) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' 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.^[94]

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. ^[95]

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.^[96]

Passed (90-8)

Yea

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.^[97]

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.^[98]

Passed (96-1)

Yea

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.^[99]

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.^[100]

Passed (92-8)

Yea

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.^[101]

Passed (84-13)

Yea

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.^[102]

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.^[103]

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.^[104]

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.^[105]

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.^[106]

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. ^[107]

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. ^[108]

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. ^[109]

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.^[110]

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.^[111]

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.^[112]

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.^[113]

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.^[114]

Passed (59-41)

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

Votes on domestic policy (click to expand)

Voted Yea 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.^[115]

Voted Yea 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.^[116]

Voted Yea 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^[117]

Voted Yea 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^[118]

Voted Yea 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.^[119]

Voted Yea 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.^[120]

Voted Nay 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.^[121]

Voted Yea 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.^[122]

Voted Nay 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.^[123]

Voted Yea 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.^[124]

Voted Yea 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.^[125]

Voted Yea 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)^[126]

Voted Yea 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.^[127]

Voted Yea 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.^[128]

Voted Yea 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.^[129]

Voted Yea 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.^[130]

Voted Nay 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.^[131]

Voted Nay 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.^[132]

Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand)

Voted Yea 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.^[133]

Voted Yea 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.^[134]

Voted Yea 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.^[135]

Voted Yea 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.^[136]

Voted Yea 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.^[137]

Voted Yea 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^[138]

Voted Yea 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.^[139]

Voted Yea 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.^[140]

Voted Yea 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.^[141]

Voted Nay 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.^[142]

Voted Yea 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.^[143]

Voted Yea 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.^[144]

Voted Yea 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.^[145]

Voted Yea 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.^[146]

Voted Yea 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.^[147]

Voted Yea 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.^[148]

Voted Yea 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.^[149]

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

Voted Nay 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.^[150]

Voted Yea 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.^[151]^[152]

Voted Yea 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.^[153]

Voted Yea 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.^[154]

114th Congress

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[155]^[156] The Senate confirmed 18,117 out of 21,815 executive nominations received (83 percent). For more information pertaining to McConnell's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.^[157]

Economic and fiscal

Trade Act of 2015

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

On May 22, 2015, the Senate passed HR 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 president trade promotion authority (TPA). TPA, also known as fast track authority, allows the president to negotiate trade deals that cannot be amended by Congress. 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 for trade adjustment assistance. McConnell voted with 47 other Republican senators to approve the bill.^[158]^[159]
Trade promotion authority
On June 24, 2015, by a vote of 60-38, the Senate approved trade promotion authority (TPA) as part of HR 2146 - Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act. McConnell was one of 47 Republicans to vote in favor of the bill. After, Senate Republican leadership honored a pledge to support trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by passing the measure as part of HR 1295 - Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 by voice vote. The House passed HR 1295 the following day, on June 25, 2015, and both TPA and TAA were signed into law on June 29, 2015.^[160]^[161]^[162]

2016 Budget proposal

On May 5, 2015, the Senate voted to approve SConRes11, 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 that Congress approved a joint budget resolution. All 44 Democrats voted against the resolution. McConnell voted with 50 other Republican senators to approve the bill.^[163]^[164]^[165]

Defense spending authorization

On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed S 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.^[166]^[167] McConnell voted with 47 Republicans, 42 Democrats and one independent to approve the bill.^[168] On November 5, 2015, the House passed the bill by a vote of 370-58, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015.^[169]

On June 18, 2015, the Senate passed HR 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." McConnell voted with 48 Republicans, 21 Democrats and one Independent to approve the bill.^[170] The House passed the bill on May 15, 2015.^[171] President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.^[172]

2015 budget

On October 30, 2015, the Senate passed HR 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.^[173] McConnell voted with 17 Republicans, 44 Democrats and two independents in favor of the bill.^[174] It passed the House on October 28, 2015.^[175] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015.

Foreign Affairs

Iran nuclear deal

See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015

On May 7, 2015, the Senate voted to approve HR 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 required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. McConnell voted with 52 other Republican senators to approve the bill. Senator Tom Cotton (Ark.) was the only Republican who voted against the bill.^[176]^[177]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015
On September 10, 2015, the Senate voted to filibuster the measure to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal by a vote of 58-42.^[178] Sixty votes were needed to proceed to HJ 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. McConnell voted with 53 other Republicans and four Democrats to proceed to the measure of disapproval.^[179]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 follow up votes
On September 15, 2015, the Senate voted for a second time to filibuster the measure to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal by a vote of 56-42.^[180] Sixty votes were needed to proceed to HJ 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. McConnell voted with 51 Republicans and four Democrats to proceed to the measure of disapproval.^[181] 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.^[182]

Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 fourth vote
On September 17, 2015, the Senate voted to filibuster a vote on S.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."^[183] McConnell voted with 51 Republicans and one Democrat to proceed to the amendment.^[184]

Domestic

Defunding of Planned Parenthood

Following parliamentary procedure, McConnell voted with the majority against the defunding of Planned Parenthood on August 3, 2015. Under Rule XIII of the United States Senate, by voting "with the prevailing side or who has not voted may, on the same day or on either of the next two days of actual session thereafter, move a reconsideration." By being on the "prevailing side" by voting no, McConnell left room to bring the bill back to a vote in the future.^[185]

“	Leader McConnell is a strong supporter of the legislation and in fact was a co-sponsor when the bill was introduced last week. Under Senate procedure, when a cloture motion to proceed to the measure fails to pass with the required 60 votes, the Majority Leader may switch his ‘yes’ vote to ‘no,’ which allows him bring it up for reconsideration at a future time. Leader McConnell would have voted in favor of the bill but in order to preserve his right to bring it up again, he simply changed his vote to ‘no.’ ^[23]	”
—Michael Brumas, McConnell spokesman, ^[186]

USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

On June 2, 2015, the Senate passed HR 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 revised HR 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 the Foreign 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." McConnell voted with 29 Republicans, one Democrat and one independent against the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.^[187]^[188]

Loretta Lynch AG nomination

On April 23, 2015, the Senate voted to confirm Loretta Lynch as United States Attorney General by a vote of 56-43. All 44 Democratic senators voted to confirm Lynch. McConnell voted with nine other Republican senators to confirm Lynch.^[189]

Cyber security

On October 27, 2015, the Senate passed S 754 - the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 by a vote of 74-21.^[190] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. McConnell voted with 42 Republicans, 30 Democrats and one independent in favor of the bill.^[191]

Immigration

On October 20, 2015, the Senate voted against proceeding to a vote on S 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."^[192] McConnell voted with 51 Republicans and two Democrats in favor of proceeding to the bill.^[193]

113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.^[194] The Senate confirmed 13,949 out of 18,323 executive nominations received (76.1 percent). For more information pertaining to McConnell's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.^[195]

National security

John Brennan CIA nomination

McConnell voted against the confirmation of John Brennan as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The nomination was confirmed by the Senate on March 7, 2013, with a vote of 63 - 34. Most Democrats supported the nomination, while Republicans were somewhat divided with roughly one-third supporting the nomination.^[196]

Economy

Farm bill

On February 4, 2014, the Democratic controlled Senate approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.^[197] It passed the Senate with a vote of 68-32. 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 will kick in when prices drop; however, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.^[198] McConnell joined with 19 other Republican senators in favor of the bill.

2014 Budget

On January 16, 2014, the Democratic-controlled Senate approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.^[199]^[200] The Senate voted 72-26 for the 1,582 page bill, with 17 Republicans and 55 Democrats voting in favor of the bill.^[200] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.^[201] It increased the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel by 1 percent, increased Head Start funding for early childhood education by $1 billion, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and left the Affordable Care Act without any drastic cuts.

McConnell voted with 25 other Republican members against the bill.^[199]^[200]

Government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

During the shutdown in October 2013, the Senate rejected, down party lines, every House-originated bill that stripped the budget of funding for the Affordable Care Act. A deal was reached late on October 16, 2013, just hours before the debt ceiling deadline. The bill to reopen the government, H.R. 2775, 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 by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.^[202] The final vote on H.R. 2775 was 81-18, with all 18 votes against the bill from Republican members. McConnell voted with the Democratic Party for the bill.^[203]

No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013

McConnell voted against H.R.325 -- No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013. The bill passed the Senate on January 31, 2013, with a vote of 64 - 34. The purpose of the bill was to temporarily suspend the debt ceiling and withhold the pay of members of Congress until a budget could be passed. The vote largely followed party lines with Democrats overwhelmingly supporting it and many Republicans in opposition to the bill.^[196]

Immigration

Mexico-U.S. border

McConnell voted for Senate Amendment 1197 -- Requires the Completion of the Fence Along the United States-Mexico Border. The amendment was rejected by the Senate on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 39 - 54. The purpose of the amendment was to require the completion of 350 miles of fence described in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 before registered provisional immigrant status may be granted. It would also require 700 miles of fence be completed before the status of registered provisional immigrants may be changed to permanent resident status. The vote followed party lines.^[196]

Social issues

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

McConnell voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. The bill was passed in the Senate by an 89 - 8 vote on January 1, 2013.^[204]

2016 Republican National Convention

See also: Republican National Convention, 2016

McConnell was a delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention from Kentucky.^[205] In the Kentucky Republican caucuses on March 5, 2016, Donald Trump received 17 delegates, Ted Cruz received 15, and Marco Rubio and John Kasich received seven each. Ballotpedia was not able to identify which candidate McConnell was bound by state party rules to support at the national convention. If you have information on how Kentucky’s Republican delegates were allocated, please email editor@ballotpedia.org.^[206]

Delegate rules

See also: RNC delegate guidelines from Kentucky, 2016 and Republican delegates from Kentucky, 2016

Delegates from Kentucky to the Republican National Convention were selected by nomination committees and approved at the county and state conventions. Kentucky GOP rules required national convention delegates to have supported the 2012 Republican presidential nominee. Kentucky GOP rules and Kentucky state law required delegates from Kentucky to vote for the candidate to whom they were allocated through the first round of voting at the national convention. If a candidate died or withdrew prior to the first round of voting at the national convention, the chairman of the Kentucky delegation was to call a meeting at which the delegates were to vote on the remaining candidates and be reallocated on the basis of the results.

Kentucky caucus results

See also: Presidential election in Kentucky, 2016

Kentucky Republican Caucus, 2016
Candidate	Vote %	Votes	Delegates
Donald Trump	35.9%	82,493	17
Ted Cruz	31.6%	72,503	15
Marco Rubio	16.4%	37,579	7
John Kasich	14.4%	33,134	7
Ben Carson	0.8%	1,951	0
Rand Paul	0.4%	872	0
Other	0.2%	496	0
Jeb Bush	0.1%	305	0
Mike Huckabee	0.1%	174	0
Chris Christie	0%	65	0
Carly Fiorina	0%	64	0
Rick Santorum	0%	31	0
Totals		229,667	46
Source: The New York Times and Republican Party of Kentucky

Delegate allocation

See also: 2016 presidential nominations: calendar and delegate rules

Kentucky had 46 delegates at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Of this total, 18 were district-level delegates (three for each of the state's six congressional districts). District delegates were allocated proportionally; a candidate had to win at least 5 percent of the statewide caucus vote in order to be eligible to receive any district delegates.^[207]^[208]

Of the remaining 28 delegates, 25 served at large. At-large delegates were allocated proportionally; a candidate had to win at least 5 percent of the statewide caucus vote in order to be eligible to receive any of the state's at-large delegates. In addition, three national party leaders (identified on the chart below as RNC delegates) served as bound delegates to the Republican National Convention. The RNC delegates were allocated in the same manner as the at-large delegates.^[207]^[208]^[209]

External links

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Candidate

U.S. Senate Kentucky

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U.S. Senate Kentucky

Footnotes

[show]

Kentucky's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Mitch McConnell (R)

Rand Paul (R)

Representatives

District 1

James Comer (R)

District 2

Brett Guthrie (R)

District 3

Morgan McGarvey (D)

District 4

Thomas Massie (R)

District 5

Hal Rogers (R)

District 6

Andy Barr (R)

Republican Party (7)

Democratic Party (1)

[1] Mitch McConnell Official Website, "McConnell Remarks on Final Senate Term," February 20, 2025

[served-2] 2.0 ^2.1 Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "McConnell, Addison Mitchell (Mitch)," accessed February 21, 2025

[3] United States Senate, "Longest-Serving Party Leaders," accessed February 6, 2024

[4] CNBC, "Mitch McConnell to step down as Republican Senate leader in November," accessed February 28, 2024

[5] University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law, "UK Law Alum Mitch McConnell Among Time's 100 Most Influential People," April 22, 2015

[Congbio-6] 6.0 ^6.1 ^6.2 United States Congress, "MCCONNELL, Addison Mitchell (Mitch)," accessed November 2, 2025

[7] Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, "Biography," accessed February 6, 2024

[8] PBS, "How McConnell’s Bid to Reshape the Federal Judiciary Extends Beyond the Supreme Court," October 31, 2023

[9] NPR, "What Happened With Merrick Garland In 2016 And Why It Matters Now," June 29, 2018

[10] Politico, "Dems’ real midterm prize: Command of the judicial wars," October 13, 2022

[11] National Review, "Mitch McConnell Is the Master of the Senate," January 22, 2020

[12] Lexington Herald, "See pictures of Mitch McConnell going to college at UK Law School in the 1960s," accessed February 29, 2024

[13] United States Senate, "Committee Assignments of the 115th Congress," accessed January 19, 2017

[14] United States Senate, "Committee Assignments," accessed February 4, 2015

[15] Congressional Quarterly, "Senate Committee List," accessed January 22, 2013

[16] United States Senate, "Committee assignments," accessed March 29, 2014

[17] U.S. Senate Official Website, "Committee Assignments," accessed October 20, 2011

[18] U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013

[19] U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013

[20] U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 1996," accessed March 28, 2013

[21] U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 6, 1990," accessed March 28, 2013

[22] U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 6, 1984," accessed March 28, 2013

[quotedisclaimer-23] 23.0 ^23.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[24] Mitch McConnell's 2020 campaign website, "Kentucky Tough," accessed September 3, 2020

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	v • e State of Kentucky Frankfort (capital)
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Mitch McConnell
Republican National Convention, 2016
Status:	Delegate
State:	Kentucky
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Delegates to the RNC 2016
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