How many times a year (or session) do Senators and/or Representatives vote?

[Captain Angry]

I wonder how hard it would be to have a running list of every vote, by each person, WITH A REASON THEY VOTED THAT WAY.

Farm bill? Why'd you vote that way?

FISA? Why'd you vote that way?

Bankruptcy? Why'd you vote that way?

I would love to see a one or two sentence statement that explains their reasoning. I know that my "representatives" don't work for me. Their voting records are obvious. But I'd still like to see what they were thinking.

[EST]

1. Do you want just votes, in general?

Votes on specific bills, votes on amendments and whether the bill that was amended or not passed or failed?
You might have a bit of entertaining research ahead of you.

[Captain Angry]

2. I was just thinking it would be nice to get their thoughts on their vote.

Even if it was "I talked to Larry and he said it was a good idea." At least I'd know that my rep didn't even read the bill they voted on.

Any information would be good. A checkbox that says "I read this bill in its entirety." "I didn't have time, but was assured by my aides that there was nothing untoward."

Just trying to think of ways to shine some light on the behavior of our representatives.

So when they get back to their home state, and decide to run for reelection, they have to stand on their record.

[LiberalFighter]

3. The best you are going to get is to watch C-Span if they speak about the vote

or if they have press releases about the vote or if you write a letter to them asking for their position and why.


Or visit organizational sites that lobby on those issues if they have information about the person.

[NoPasaran]

4. The results of roll call votes are available on the internet

Clerk of the House of Representatives
Senate Legislative Information System

The reasoning behind votes on key pieces of legislation is often available through the websites of the individual Senators and Congressmen.