Last updated on Oct. 31, 2015
This database was last updated in November 2015 and should only be used as a historical snapshot.
Rep. John P. Sarbanes
1.4%
votes missed
100 out of 6,906
16.0%
misses explained
16 out of 100
1
mistake
John P. Sarbanes ranks 147th in votes missed of the 434 voting lawmakers in the current Congress, which began this year.
Most Common Explanation Types
ProPublica categorized the many reasons members gave for missing votes. Of these explanations —which are not mandatory— half of all explanations are unclear, simply restating the absence. Also commonly cited are personal and family obligations, and ill health.
16
Ambiguous or no reason
1
Voted incorrectly
Types of Votes Explained
We classified votes into three categories: On amendments to bills, which are numerous and can be voted on very quickly; on bills considered “under suspension of the rules,” which are usually uncontroversial and require two-thirds support for passage, and on “floor votes,” which include votes “on passage” and require a simple majority for approval.
4
Floor Votes
3
Suspension of the Rules
10
Amendments
All Vote Explanations
| Date | Vote | Roll Call | Title | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2013 | No | House vote 179 | On Passage, H R 3 | Ambiguous or no reason |
| May 23, 2013 | Yes | House vote 178 | On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H R 3 | Ambiguous or no reason |
| May 23, 2013 | Yes | House vote 177 | On Agreeing to the Amendment, H R 3 | Ambiguous or no reason |
| May 23, 2013 | Yes | House vote 176 | On Agreeing to the Amendment, H R 3 | Ambiguous or no reason |
| May 23, 2013 | Yes | House vote 175 | On Agreeing to the Amendment, H R 3 | Ambiguous or no reason |
| May 23, 2013 | Yes | House vote 174 | On Agreeing to the Amendment, H R 3 | Ambiguous or no reason |
| May 23, 2013 | Yes | House vote 173 | On Agreeing to the Amendment, H R 3 | Ambiguous or no reason |
| May 23, 2013 | Yes | House vote 172 | On Agreeing to the Amendment, H R 3 | Ambiguous or no reason |
| May 23, 2013 | Yes | House vote 171 | On Agreeing to the Amendment, H R 3 | Ambiguous or no reason |
| May 23, 2013 | Yes | House vote 170 | On Agreeing to the Amendment, H R 3 | Ambiguous or no reason |
Other Representatives from Maryland:
| Name | Missed | |
|---|---|---|
 |
C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D) | 4.8% |
 |
Steny H. Hoyer (D) | 2.9% |
 |
Elijah E. Cummings (D) | 2.8% |
 |
John K. Delaney (D) | 2.0% |
 |
Donna F. Edwards (D) | 1.8% |
 |
Chris Van Hollen (D) | 1.6% |
|
John P. Sarbanes (D) | 1.4% |
 |
Andy Harris (R) | 1.2% |
This database was compiled partly by hand. Are we missing a Personal Explanation?
Email Derek Willis