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2017

Did the Senate vote to repeal Obamacare?
July 27, 2017, 3:05 p.m.

On July 25, your social media feed was likely filled with victory cries from those seeking to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with the still-evolving Senate version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA). Opponents also took to social media with messages of defeat. However, the debate is anything but finished.


So what’s actually going on with the Senate healthcare bill? Is the Affordable Care Act repealed? And, what is the Senate voting on?

Well, it’s tricky, so bear with me—I’m not even sure if someone currently voting in the capitol can easily explain where the debate stands. I’ll simplify the issue and provide a brief timeline of how we got to where we are today.


Political Research Wrap-Up: Republicans win five of the seven races in June, Trump talks foreign policy.
July 10, 2017, 7:21 p.m.

 Republicans win five of the seven races in June, seats remain virtually unchanged. President Trump talks foreign policy.

Filibusters: Political Strategy or Wasted Effort?
May 8, 2017, 7:37 p.m.

In political news, there is a lot of talk over the use of filibusters in the Senate, especially during the U.S Senate's recent confirmation of supreme court judge Neil Gorsuch. Are these efforts an effective political strategy or are legislators wasting everyone's time?

2016

Women Warriors
Oct. 26, 2016, 3 p.m.

 Even in the earliest years of the United States, women have been filling vital roles to support United States military operations.

Daily Fantasy Sports Regulation in State Legislatures
Aug. 18, 2016, 4:40 p.m.

Daily fantasy sports is a concept that is as tricky to say as it is to understand.  It exists in a legal gray area that has remained unregulated for years.  Recently, after several scandals that brought widespread public attention, legislators have attempted to define and regulate the practice.  

Potential Ramifications of Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt & an Overview of Recent Abortion Legislation
July 25, 2016, 2:44 p.m.

On June 27, the Supreme Court issued a 5-3 ruling on Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. Justice Breyer wrote the majority opinion, reversing and remanding two provisions of HB 2, which was passed by the Texas legislature during a special session in 2013.

Voting Rights for Convicted Felons
July 22, 2016, 2:46 p.m.

2016 has seen several state legislators propose changes in the regulation of voting rights for individuals with felonies, and the timeframe for felons to receive the right to vote.

What is an Omnibus Bill?
June 27, 2016, 2:31 p.m.

 Have you seen a recent headline about Congress passing an omnibus bill? Curious about what this obscure sounding piece of legislation is? Below we provide a non-partisan explanation of omnibus bills.....

Getting to the Core of Common Core
June 1, 2016, 2:11 p.m.

Heard of Common Core, but not sure what it is? Curious about how states receive federal funding for education? Below, we break down this hot-button issue, and provide the 2016 presidential candidates’ stances towards Common Core......

Bathroom bills bearing down on states across America
March 11, 2016, 5:56 p.m.

 Emerging onto the floor of numerous state legislatures across the United States of America is a new and divisive kind of legislation: “bathroom bills.” Bathroom bills are proposed legislation that address whether individuals may use the bathroom that corresponds with the gender they identify with or with the gender they were assigned at birth. 

2015

Vote Smart Live-Tweeted the First Democratic Primary Debate
Oct. 14, 2015, 8 p.m.

Did you miss our Live-Tweet event for the Democratic Debate? You can get a recap of all we did here!

2014

VoteEasy and PCT Results Released in Illinois
Oct. 27, 2014, 5:33 p.m.

Today, Vote Smart released the results of the National Political Courage Test to VoteEasy at VoteSmart.org, giving Illinois voters an invaluable resource for identifying their best political match November 4th. Thirteen congressional, state legislative and gubernatorial candidates passed the 2014 Political Courage Test.

2013

A Vote Smart Guide to the "Gang of Eight"
Feb. 28, 2013, 4:27 p.m.

Immigration: it's an issue that's been on the minds of a lot of prominent people involved in politics lately.

Primary in Illinois' 2nd District Special Election
Feb. 26, 2013, 5:09 p.m.

Six days after Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to the misuse of campaign funds, voters in his long-held district go the polls to begin the process of finding a replacement.

Legislative Wrap-Up: Bullying in Schools
Jan. 25, 2013, 7:05 p.m.

Throughout the past decade there has been a national trend of legislation on bullying.

2012

Love the Work Vote Smart Does? Be a Part of It!
Dec. 1, 2012, 2:47 a.m.

Are you a student or recent graduate interested in contributing to Project Vote Smart's mission of providing factual, free and unbiased information on your elected officials? Then our National Internship Program is for you! 

VoteEasy Tool Launched in Illinois
Oct. 18, 2012, 7:50 p.m.

2011

Congressional Beginnings
Oct. 6, 2011, 10:36 p.m.


2010

2009

2008

Precious Moments
Feb. 22, 2008, 4 a.m.

Normal to Norman - Blogging from the Bus
Jan. 23, 2008, 4:46 a.m.

2007

Navigating Thomas: Bill Texts
Dec. 13, 2007, 5:14 a.m.

Bills and Resolutions
Nov. 15, 2007, 1:54 a.m.

Precious Moments
Sept. 7, 2007, 10:08 p.m.

Bills and Resolutions
Aug. 17, 2007, 10:43 p.m.

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