Key Votes

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Vote Smart provides easy access to congressional and state voting records and maintains a collection of key votes grouped by issue. Vote Smart uses the following criteria to select key votes:

  1. The vote should be helpful in portraying how a member stands on a particular issue
  2. The vote should be clear for any person to understand
  3. The vote has received media attention
  4. The vote was passed or defeated by a very close margin
  5. Occasionally, if a specific bill is consistently inquired about on the Voter's Research Hotline, the vote will be added

Vote Smart provides a summary of the version of the bill text associated with each selected key vote. Our summaries are written by Vote Smart's staff and interns, who adhere to our strict policies and procedures in order to guarantee absolute impartiality and accuracy. They do not necessarily reflect the content of the final version of the bill, but rather the version voted on in that stage. While many procedural votes take place before a full chamber vote, our voting stages reflect the final reading of each chamber vote. Each key vote selection is reviewed by the project's community of advisors, who are political scientists and journalists from all fifty states.

For more information about the legislative process, see here.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Dec. 13, 2011 PA SB 732 Amends the Health Care Facilities Act of 179 Bill Passed - House (151 - 44)
Dec. 12, 2011 PA HB 1977 Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - House (146 - 45)
Dec. 12, 2011 PA HB 1977 Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - House (146 - 45)
Dec. 8, 2011 National HR 1633 Limits Regulation of Farm Dust Bill Passed - House (268 - 150)
Dec. 7, 2011 PA HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Concurrence Vote Passed - House (164 - 29)
Dec. 7, 2011 PA HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
Dec. 1, 2011 National S 1931 Reduces Payroll Tax Rate Motion Rejected - Senate (20 - 78)
Nov. 17, 2011 National HR 2112 Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration Conference Report Adopted - Senate (70 - 30)
Nov. 17, 2011 National HR 2112 Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration Conference Report Adopted - House (298 - 121)
Nov. 10, 2011 National S Amdt 928 American Jobs and Economic Growth Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 56)
Nov. 10, 2011 National S J Res 27 Disapproval of EPA Cross-Border Pollution Rule Motion Rejected - Senate (41 - 56)
Nov. 10, 2011 National S Amdt 928 American Jobs and Economic Growth Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 56)
Nov. 10, 2011 ND HB 1474 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Bill Failed - House (30 - 64)
Nov. 10, 2011 MI SB 693 Establishes MIHealth Marketplace Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Nov. 10, 2011 MI SB 693 Establishes MIHealth Marketplace Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Nov. 2, 2011 WI SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI AB 147 Inadmissibility of Apology Statements by Health Care Providers Bill Passed - House (62 - 33)
Oct. 27, 2011 IL SB 1701 Legal Immunity for Individuals Seeking Treatment for Drug Overdose Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
Oct. 27, 2011 National HR 2576 Requires Inclusion of Social Security Benefits in Calculation of Modified Adjusted Gross Income Bill Passed - House (262 - 157)
Oct. 25, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Oct. 20, 2011 National S Amdt 769 Authorizes Individuals to Import FDA-Approved Drugs from Canada Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 55)
Oct. 20, 2011 WI SB 92 Prohibits Abortion Coverage through Healthcare Insurance Exchanges Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Oct. 14, 2011 National HR 2273 Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act Bill Passed - House (267 - 144)
Oct. 13, 2011 National HR 358 Amends Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to Prohibit Abortion Coverage Bill Passed - House (251 - 172)
Oct. 6, 2011 National HR 2681 Repeals EPA Emissions Regulations for Cement Manufacturers Bill Passed - House (262 - 161)
Sept. 23, 2011 MO HA 1 to SB 7 Prohibits Public Funding for Certain Life Science Research Projects Amendment Rejected - House (68 - 74)
Sept. 23, 2011 National H Amdt 799 Suspends Cross State Air Pollution Rule Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 188)
Sept. 23, 2011 National H Amdt 800 Requires the EPA to Consider Costs and Feasibility of Air Quality Standards Amendment Adopted - House (227 - 192)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 26)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 26)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA SB 222 Relating to Individual Health Care Coverage for Maternity Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Sept. 7, 2011 NH SB 154 Withdrawing from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Veto Override Failed - Senate (15 - 9)
Sept. 7, 2011 CA SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Bill Passed - House (63 - 13)
Sept. 7, 2011 CA SB 222 Relating to Individual Health Care Coverage for Maternity Services Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
Sept. 2, 2011 CA SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
Sept. 1, 2011 CA SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Bill Passed - House (49 - 27)
Aug. 31, 2011 CA AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
Aug. 30, 2011 CA SB 161 Administration of Epilepsy Medication in Schools Bill Passed - House (46 - 21)
Aug. 24, 2011 MI SB 348 1 Percent Tax on Paid Health Insurance Claims Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
Aug. 24, 2011 MI SB 348 1 Percent Tax on Paid Health Insurance Claims Bill Passed - House (65 - 42)
July 27, 2011 National H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
July 14, 2011 CA SB 39 Bans Caffeinated Alcohol Drinks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
July 13, 2011 National HR 2018 Amending Clean Water Laws Bill Passed - House (239 - 184)
July 11, 2011 CA SB 39 Bans Caffeinated Alcohol Drinks Bill Passed - House (49 - 26)
July 1, 2011 DE SB 137 Specialty-Tier Prescription Drugs Bill Passed - House (28 - 13)
June 30, 2011 PA HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (130 - 66)
June 30, 2011 PA HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
June 30, 2011 MI SB 7 Employee Contribution to Health Care Benefits Bill Passed - House (56 - 52)
June 29, 2011 OR HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Concurrence Vote Passed - House (31 - 29)
June 29, 2011 NJ S 2576 Prohibits Hydraulic Fracturing Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
June 28, 2011 OH HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
June 28, 2011 AK SB 45 Extending the Coastal Management Program Bill Failed - House (18 - 18)
June 28, 2011 OH HB 79 Prohibits Insurance Coverage of Abortion Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
June 27, 2011 AK SB 45 Extending the Coastal Management Program Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 7)
June 23, 2011 OR HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
June 23, 2011 NJ S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (46 - 32)
June 23, 2011 NY A 8514 Health Benefit Exchange Act Bill Passed - House (95 - 43)
June 23, 2011 NY A 8514 Health Benefit Exchange Act Bill Passed - House (95 - 43)
June 22, 2011 OH SJR 1 Constitutional Amendment Concerning Health Care Joint Resolution Passed - House (59 - 39)
June 22, 2011 National HR 2021 Impact of Drilling on Air Quality Bill Passed - House (253 - 166)
June 22, 2011 OH HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
June 21, 2011 LA HB 7 Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 12)
June 20, 2011 NJ S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
June 16, 2011 LA HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Veto Override Failed - House (58 - 44)
June 16, 2011 TX HB 5 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - House (92 - 43)
June 15, 2011 OH SJR 1 Constitutional Amendment Concerning Health Care Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
June 9, 2011 AL HB 60 Prohibiting Mandatory Participation in any Health Care System Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 9)
June 9, 2011 AL HB 60 Prohibiting Mandatory Participation in any Health Care System Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 9)
June 9, 2011 TX SB 7 Health Care Bill Passed - House (89 - 41)
June 7, 2011 OR SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (48 - 12)
June 7, 2011 OR SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (48 - 12)
June 7, 2011 CT SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (90 - 57)
June 6, 2011 CT HB 6308 Establishes the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
June 6, 2011 NV AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
June 5, 2011 NV AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - House (23 - 19)
June 4, 2011 CT SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 18)
June 2, 2011 LA HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
June 2, 2011 CA SB 568 Recycling Polystyrene Food Containers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
June 2, 2011 CA AB 52 Regulating Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - House (45 - 28)
June 1, 2011 LA SB 133 Amends the Smoke-free Air Act Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 22)
May 31, 2011 IL SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 24)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Bill Passed - House (69 - 45)
May 27, 2011 CT HB 6308 Establishes the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - House (88 - 48)
May 26, 2011 IL HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 40)
May 25, 2011 WA SB 5942 State Liquor Sales Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 19)
May 25, 2011 TX H Amdt 1 Interstate Health Care Compact Amendment Adopted - House (99 - 43)
May 24, 2011 WA SB 5942 State Liquor Sales Bill Passed - House (52 - 42)
May 24, 2011 LA HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - House (70 - 30)
May 23, 2011 NJ S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
May 23, 2011 NJ S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
May 20, 2011 TX H Amdt 53 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Amendment Adopted - House (73 - 66)
May 19, 2011 MN SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 63)
May 19, 2011 NC HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 24)
May 18, 2011 MN SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 28)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/13 SB 732 Amends the Health Care Facilities Act of 179 Bill Passed - House (151 - 44)
12/12 HB 1977 Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - House (146 - 45)
12/12 HB 1977 Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - House (146 - 45)
12/08 HR 1633 Limits Regulation of Farm Dust Bill Passed - House (268 - 150)
12/07 HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Concurrence Vote Passed - House (164 - 29)
12/07 HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
12/01 S 1931 Reduces Payroll Tax Rate Motion Rejected - Senate (20 - 78)
11/17 HR 2112 Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration Conference Report Adopted - Senate (70 - 30)
11/17 HR 2112 Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration Conference Report Adopted - House (298 - 121)
11/10 S Amdt 928 American Jobs and Economic Growth Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 56)
11/10 S J Res 27 Disapproval of EPA Cross-Border Pollution Rule Motion Rejected - Senate (41 - 56)
11/10 S Amdt 928 American Jobs and Economic Growth Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 56)
11/10 HB 1474 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Bill Failed - House (30 - 64)
11/10 SB 693 Establishes MIHealth Marketplace Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
11/10 SB 693 Establishes MIHealth Marketplace Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
11/02 SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
11/01 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
11/01 AB 147 Inadmissibility of Apology Statements by Health Care Providers Bill Passed - House (62 - 33)
10/27 SB 1701 Legal Immunity for Individuals Seeking Treatment for Drug Overdose Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
10/27 HR 2576 Requires Inclusion of Social Security Benefits in Calculation of Modified Adjusted Gross Income Bill Passed - House (262 - 157)
10/25 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
10/20 S Amdt 769 Authorizes Individuals to Import FDA-Approved Drugs from Canada Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 55)
10/20 SB 92 Prohibits Abortion Coverage through Healthcare Insurance Exchanges Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
10/14 HR 2273 Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act Bill Passed - House (267 - 144)
10/13 HR 358 Amends Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to Prohibit Abortion Coverage Bill Passed - House (251 - 172)
10/06 HR 2681 Repeals EPA Emissions Regulations for Cement Manufacturers Bill Passed - House (262 - 161)
9/23 HA 1 to SB 7 Prohibits Public Funding for Certain Life Science Research Projects Amendment Rejected - House (68 - 74)
9/23 H Amdt 799 Suspends Cross State Air Pollution Rule Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 188)
9/23 H Amdt 800 Requires the EPA to Consider Costs and Feasibility of Air Quality Standards Amendment Adopted - House (227 - 192)
9/09 SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
9/09 SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
9/09 SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
9/09 SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 26)
9/09 SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 26)
9/08 SB 222 Relating to Individual Health Care Coverage for Maternity Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
9/07 SB 154 Withdrawing from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Veto Override Failed - Senate (15 - 9)
9/07 SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Bill Passed - House (63 - 13)
9/07 SB 222 Relating to Individual Health Care Coverage for Maternity Services Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
9/02 SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
9/01 SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Bill Passed - House (49 - 27)
8/31 AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
8/30 SB 161 Administration of Epilepsy Medication in Schools Bill Passed - House (46 - 21)
8/24 SB 348 1 Percent Tax on Paid Health Insurance Claims Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
8/24 SB 348 1 Percent Tax on Paid Health Insurance Claims Bill Passed - House (65 - 42)
7/27 H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
7/19 HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
7/19 HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
7/14 SB 39 Bans Caffeinated Alcohol Drinks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
7/13 HR 2018 Amending Clean Water Laws Bill Passed - House (239 - 184)
7/11 SB 39 Bans Caffeinated Alcohol Drinks Bill Passed - House (49 - 26)
7/01 SB 137 Specialty-Tier Prescription Drugs Bill Passed - House (28 - 13)
6/30 HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (130 - 66)
6/30 HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
6/30 SB 7 Employee Contribution to Health Care Benefits Bill Passed - House (56 - 52)
6/29 HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Concurrence Vote Passed - House (31 - 29)
6/29 S 2576 Prohibits Hydraulic Fracturing Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
6/28 HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
6/28 SB 45 Extending the Coastal Management Program Bill Failed - House (18 - 18)
6/28 HB 79 Prohibits Insurance Coverage of Abortion Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
6/27 SB 45 Extending the Coastal Management Program Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 7)
6/23 HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
6/23 S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (46 - 32)
6/23 A 8514 Health Benefit Exchange Act Bill Passed - House (95 - 43)
6/23 A 8514 Health Benefit Exchange Act Bill Passed - House (95 - 43)
6/22 SJR 1 Constitutional Amendment Concerning Health Care Joint Resolution Passed - House (59 - 39)
6/22 HR 2021 Impact of Drilling on Air Quality Bill Passed - House (253 - 166)
6/22 HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
6/21 HB 7 Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 12)
6/20 S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
6/16 HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Veto Override Failed - House (58 - 44)
6/16 HB 5 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - House (92 - 43)
6/15 SJR 1 Constitutional Amendment Concerning Health Care Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
6/09 HB 60 Prohibiting Mandatory Participation in any Health Care System Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 9)
6/09 HB 60 Prohibiting Mandatory Participation in any Health Care System Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 9)
6/09 SB 7 Health Care Bill Passed - House (89 - 41)
6/07 SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (48 - 12)
6/07 SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (48 - 12)
6/07 SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (90 - 57)
6/06 HB 6308 Establishes the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
6/06 AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
6/05 AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - House (23 - 19)
6/04 SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 18)
6/02 HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
6/02 SB 568 Recycling Polystyrene Food Containers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
6/02 AB 52 Regulating Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - House (45 - 28)
6/01 SB 133 Amends the Smoke-free Air Act Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 22)
5/31 SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 24)
5/30 SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Bill Passed - House (69 - 45)
5/27 HB 6308 Establishes the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - House (88 - 48)
5/26 HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 40)
5/25 SB 5942 State Liquor Sales Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 19)
5/25 H Amdt 1 Interstate Health Care Compact Amendment Adopted - House (99 - 43)
5/24 SB 5942 State Liquor Sales Bill Passed - House (52 - 42)
5/24 HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - House (70 - 30)
5/23 S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
5/23 S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
5/20 H Amdt 53 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Amendment Adopted - House (73 - 66)
5/19 SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 63)
5/19 HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 24)
5/18 SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 28)

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