Pat Roberts

Pat Roberts (Republican Party) was a member of the U.S. Senate from Kansas. He assumed office on January 3, 1997. He left office on January 3, 2021.

Roberts (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. Senate to represent Kansas. He won in the general election on November 4, 2014.

Roberts announced on January 4, 2019, that he would not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2020.^[1]

Roberts was previously a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 1997.^[2] He served as chairman of both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, the first member of Congress to do so.^[3]

Biography[edit]

Roberts was born in 1936 in Topeka, KS. He graduated from Holton High School in 1954 and earned his bachelor's degree from Kansas State University in 1958. Roberts went on to serve as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 to 1962.^[2]

Career[edit]

Below is an abbreviated outline of Roberts' political career:^[4]

• 1997-2021: U.S. Senator from Kansas
• 1981-1997: U.S. House of Representatives
• 1958-1962: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps

Committee assignments[edit]

U.S. Senate[edit]

2017-2018[edit]

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Roberts was assigned to the following committees:^[5]

• Joint Committee on the Library
• Joint Committee on Printing
• Committee on Ethics (Select)
• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
• Committee on Finance
• Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
• Committee on Rules and Administration

2015-2016[edit]

Roberts served on the following Senate committees:^[6]

• Joint Committee on the Library
• Joint Committee on Printing
• Select Committee on Ethics
• Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
• Finance Committee
  • Subcommittee on Health Care
  • Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness
  • Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight
• Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
  • Subcommittee on Children and Families
  • Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety
  • Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security
• Rules and Administration Committee

2013-2014[edit]

Roberts served on the following Senate committees:^[7][8]

• Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee
  • Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Marketing and Agriculture Security
  • Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry and Natural Resources
  • Subcommittee on Commodities, Markets, Trade and Risk Management
• Finance Committee
  • The Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness
  • The Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight
  • The Subcommittee on Healthcare Ranking Member
• Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
  • Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging
  • Subcommittee on Children and Families
• Rules and Administration Committee
• Ethics Committee
• Joint Committee on the Library
• Joint Committee on Printing

2011-2012[edit]

Roberts served on the following Senate committees:^[9]

• Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Ranking Member
• Ethics Committee
• Finance Committee
• Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
• Rules and Administration Committee

Key votes[edit]

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: 116th Congress, 2019-2021[edit]

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.[10]	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. [11]	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.[12]	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.[13]	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.[14]	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.[15]	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.[16]	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.[17]	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.[18]	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.[19]	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.[20]	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.[21]	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.[22]	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. [23]	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. [24]	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. [25]	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.[26]	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.[27]	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.[28]	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.[29]	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.[30]	Passed (59-41)

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018[edit]

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.^[31]

  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.^[32]

  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^[33]

  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^[34]

  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.^[35]

  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.^[36]

  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.^[37]

  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.^[38]

  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.^[39]

  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.^[40]

  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.^[41]

  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)^[42]

  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.^[43]

  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.^[44]

  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.^[45]

  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.^[46]

  
  

  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.^[47]

  Voted Yea 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.^[48]

• 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.^[49]

  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.^[50]

  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.^[51]

  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.^[52]

  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.^[53]

  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^[54]

  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.^[55]

  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.^[56]

  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.^[57]

  Voted Yea 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.^[58]

  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.^[59]

  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.^[60]

  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.^[61]

  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.^[62]

  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.^[63]

  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.^[64]

  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.^[65]

• 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.^[66]

  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.^[67][68]

  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.^[69]

  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.^[70]

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress[edit]

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

114th Congress[edit] 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.[71][72] The Senate confirmed 18,117 out of 21,815 executive nominations received (83 percent). For more information pertaining to Roberts's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections.[73] Economic and fiscal[edit] Trade Act of 2015[edit] 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. Roberts voted with 47 other Republican senators to approve the bill.[74][75] 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. Roberts 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.[76][77][78] 2016 Budget proposal[edit] 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. Roberts voted with 50 other Republican senators to approve the bill.[79][80][81] Defense spending authorization[edit] 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.[82][83] Roberts voted with 47 Republicans, 42 Democrats and one independent to approve the bill.[84] 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.[85] 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." Roberts voted with 48 Republicans, 21 Democrats and one Independent to approve the bill.[86] The House passed the bill on May 15, 2015.[87] President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015.[88] 2015 budget[edit] 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.[89] Roberts voted with 17 Republicans, 44 Democrats and two independents in favor of the bill.[90] It passed the House on October 28, 2015.[91] President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs[edit] Iran nuclear deal[edit] 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. Roberts voted with 52 other Republican senators to approve the bill. Senator Tom Cotton (Ark.) was the only Republican who voted against the bill.[92][93] 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.[94] 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. Roberts voted with 53 other Republicans and four Democrats to proceed to the measure of disapproval.[95] 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.[96] 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. Roberts voted with 51 Republicans and four Democrats to proceed to the measure of disapproval.[97] 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.[98] 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."[99] Roberts voted with 51 Republicans and one Democrat to proceed to the amendment.[100] Domestic[edit] USA FREEDOM Act of 2015[edit] 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." Roberts voted with 29 Republicans, one Democrat and one independent against the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015.[101][102] Loretta Lynch AG nomination[edit] 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. Roberts voted with 42 other Republican senators against Lynch's confirmation.[103] Cyber security[edit] On October 27, 2015, the Senate passed S 754 - the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 by a vote of 74-21.[104] The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Roberts voted with 42 Republicans, 30 Democrats and one independent in favor of the bill.[105] Immigration[edit] 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."[106] Roberts voted with 51 Republicans and two Democrats in favor of proceeding to the bill.[107] 113th Congress[edit] 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.[108] The Senate confirmed 13,949 out of 18,323 executive nominations received (76.1 percent). For more information pertaining to Roberts's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[109] National security[edit] John Brennan CIA nomination[edit] Roberts 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.[110] Economy[edit] Farm bill[edit] 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.[111] 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.[112] Roberts voted with 22 other Republican senators against the bill. 2014 Budget[edit] 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.[113][114] The Senate voted 72-26 for the 1,582 page bill, with 17 Republicans and 55 Democrats voting in favor of the bill.[114] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[115] 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. Roberts voted with 25 other Republican members against the bill.[113][114] Government shutdown[edit] 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.[116] The final vote on H.R. 2775 was 81-18, with all 18 votes against the bill from Republican members. Roberts voted with the Republican Party against the bill.[117] Statement on government shutdown[edit] A shutdown solution was signed into law on October 17, 2013, with Roberts voting against the measure. He released an official statement regarding the shutdown solution: "We are $17 trillion in debt, and looming mandatory spending obligations threaten to increase our debt exponentially. The current shutdown and debt crisis are severe, but if we fail to address government spending, we will be looking at a permanent shutdown. We will be faced with bankruptcy."[118] No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013[edit] Roberts 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.[110] Immigration[edit] Mexico-U.S. border[edit] Roberts voted in favor of 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.[110] Social issues[edit] Violence Against Women (2013)[edit] Roberts voted against S.47 -- Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. The bill was passed by the Senate on February 12, 2013, with a vote of 78 - 22. The purpose of the bill was to combat violence against women, from domestic violence to international trafficking in persons. All 22 dissenting votes were cast by Republicans.[110] Previous congressional sessions[edit] Fiscal Cliff[edit] Roberts 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.[119]

Issues[edit]

National security[edit]

Letter to Iran[edit]

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. Roberts was one of the 47 who signed the letter. No Democrats signed it.^[120]

Members of the Obama administration and of Congress reacted to the letter.^[121] 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."^[122]

Drones filibuster[edit]

See also: Rand Paul filibuster of John Brennan's CIA Nomination in March 2013

On March 6, 2013, Senator Rand Paul (R) led a 13-hour filibuster of President Obama's CIA Director nominee, John Brennan. Paul started the filibuster in order to highlight his concerns about the administration's drone policies. In particular, Paul said he was concerned about whether a drone could be used to kill an American citizen within the United States border, without any due process involved. Paul and other civil liberties activists criticized President Obama for not offering a clear response to the question. A total of 14 senators joined Paul in the filibuster -- 13 Republicans and one Democrat.^{[123][124][125]}

Roberts was one of 30 Republican senators who did not support the filibuster.^{[126][127][128]}

The day after the filibuster, Attorney General Eric Holder sent a letter to Paul, responding to the filibuster. Holder wrote, "Does the president have the authority to use a weaponized drone to kill an American not engaged in combat on U.S. soil? The answer to that is no."^[129]

Elections[edit]

2020[edit]

See also: United States Senate election in Kansas, 2020

Pat Roberts did not file to run for re-election.

2014[edit]

See also: United States Senate elections in Kansas, 2014

Roberts ran for re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2014. Roberts won the Republican nomination in the primary on August 5, 2014.^[130] The general election took place on November 4, 2014.

U.S. Senate, Kansas General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Pat Roberts Incumbent	53.1%	460,350
	Independent	Greg Orman	42.5%	368,372
	Libertarian	Randall Batson	4.3%	37,469
Total Votes				866,191
Source: Kansas Secretary of State Official Results

U.S. Senate, Kansas Republican Primary, 2014

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Pat Roberts Incumbent	48.1%	127,089
Milton Wolf	40.8%	107,799
D.J. Smith	5.8%	15,288
Alvin Zahnter	5.4%	14,164
Total Votes		264,340
Source: Kansas Secretary of State

Polls[edit]

General election match-up
Poll	Pat Roberts (R)	Chad Taylor (D)	Randall Batson (L)	Greg Orman (I)	Undecided	Margin of Error	Sample Size
SurveyUSA October 22-26, 2014	44%	0%	0%	42%	10%	+/-4.0	623
Gravis Marketing October 20-21, 2014	45%	0%	0%	47%	8%	+/-3.0	1,124
Remington Research Group October 9-12, 2014	48%	0%	2%	46%	4%	+/-2.97	1,091
Public Policy Polling October 9-12, 2014	41%	0%	5%	44%	10%	+/-3.0	1,081
CNN Opinion Research October 2-6, 2014	49%	0%	2%	48%	1%	+/-3.5	1,025
NBC News/Marist September/October 27-1, 2014	38%	0%	5%	48%	9%	+/-2.7	1,282
Public Policy Polling September 11-14, 2014	34%	6%	4%	41%	15%	+/-2.7	1,328
SurveyUSA September 4-7, 2014	36%	10%	6%	37%	11%	+/-4.2	555
Public Policy Polling August 14-17, 2014	32%	25%	3%	23%	17%	+/-3.3	903
Rasmussen Reports August 6-7, 2014	44%	40%	0%	0%	8%	+/-4.0	750
SurveyUSA July 17-22, 2014	38%	33%	4%	14%	10%	+/-2.9	1,208
SurveyUSA June 19-23, 2014	43%	33%	0%	0%	12%	+/-3.1	1,068
Public Policy Polling February 18-20, 2014	38%	32%	0%	0%	20%	+/-3.7	693
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Residency[edit]

In a February 2014 interview, Roberts acknowledged that he did not have a home of his own in Kansas and that the residence he lists as his voting address belongs to two longtime supporters and donors — C. Duane and Phyllis Ross.^[131] He reportedly established his voting address the day before his challenger, Milton Wolf, announced his candidacy in 2013.^[131]

2008[edit]

On November 4, 2008, Roberts won re-election to the United States Senate. He defeated Jim Slattery (D), Randall L. Hodgkinson (L) and Joseph L. Martin (Reformed Party) in the general election.^[132]

U.S. Senate, Kansas General Election, 2008
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Pat Roberts	60.1%	727,121
	Democratic	Jim Slattery	36.5%	441,399
	Libertarian	Randall L. Hodgkinson	2.1%	25,727
	Reformed	Joseph L. Martin	1.4%	16,443
Total Votes				1,210,690

Full history[edit]

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

2002 On November 5, 2002, Pat Roberts won re-election to the United States Senate. He defeated Steven A. Rosile (L) and George Cook (Reform) in the general election.[133] U.S. Senate, Kansas General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Pat Roberts incumbent 82.5% 641,075      Libertarian Steven A. Rosile 9.1% 70,725      Reform George Cook 8.4% 65,050 Total Votes 776,850 1996 On November 5, 1996, Pat Roberts won election to the United States Senate. He defeated Sally Thompson (D), Mark S. Marney (Reform) and Steven Rosile (Libertarian) in the general election.[134] U.S. Senate, Kansas General Election, 1996 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Pat Roberts 62% 652,677      Democratic Sally Thompson 34.4% 362,380      Reform Mark S. Marney 2.3% 24,145      Libertarian Steven Rosile 1.2% 13,098 Total Votes 1,052,300 1994 On November 8, 1994, Pat Roberts won re-election to the United States House. he defeated Terry L. Nichols (D) in the general election.[135] U.S. House, Kansas District 1 General Election, 1994 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Pat Roberts incumbent 77.4% 169,531      Democratic Terry L. Nichols 22.6% 49,477 Total Votes 219,008 1992 On November 3, 1992, Pat Roberts won re-election to the United States House. he defeated Duane West (D) and Steven A. Rosile (L) in the general election.[136] U.S. House, Kansas District 1 General Election, 1992 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Pat Roberts incumbent 68.3% 194,912      Democratic Duane West 29.3% 83,620      Libertarian Steven A. Rosile 2.4% 6,765 Total Votes 285,297 1990 On November 6, 1990, Pat Roberts won re-election to the United States House. he defeated Duane West (D) in the general election.[137] U.S. House, Kansas District 1 General Election, 1990 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Pat Roberts incumbent 62.6% 102,974      Democratic Duane West 37.3% 61,396      N/A Write-in 0% 18 Total Votes 164,388 1988 On November 8, 1988, Pat Roberts won re-election to the United States House. he ran unopposed in the general election.[138] U.S. House, Kansas District 1 General Election, 1988 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Pat Roberts incumbent 100% 168,700 Total Votes 168,700 1986 On November 4, 1986, Pat Roberts won re-election to the United States House. he defeated Dale Lyon (D) in the general election.[139] U.S. House, Kansas District 1 General Election, 1986 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Pat Roberts incumbent 76.5% 141,297      Democratic Dale Lyon 23.5% 43,359 Total Votes 184,656 1984 On November 6, 1984, Pat Roberts won re-election to the United States House. he defeated Darrell T. Ringer (D) and Clement (Clem) N. Scoggin (Prohibition) in the general election.[140] U.S. House, Kansas District 1 General Election, 1984 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Pat Roberts incumbent 75.9% 159,931      Democratic Darrell T. Ringer 23.3% 49,015      Prohibition Clement (Clem) N. Scoggin 0.9% 1,816      N/A Other 0% 1 Total Votes 210,763 1982 On November 2, 1982, Pat Roberts won re-election to the United States House. he defeated Kent Roth (D) and Kent Earnest (L) in the general election.[141] U.S. House, Kansas District 1 General Election, 1982 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Pat Roberts incumbent 68.4% 115,749      Democratic Kent Roth 30.2% 51,079      Libertarian Kent Earnest 1.4% 2,305 Total Votes 169,133 1980 On November 4, 1980, Pat Roberts won election to the United States House. he defeated Phil Martin (D) in the general election.[142] U.S. House, Kansas District 1 General Election, 1980 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Pat Roberts 62.3% 121,545      Democratic Phil Martin 37.7% 73,586 Total Votes 195,131

Campaign finance summary[edit]

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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.

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Personal Gain Index[edit]

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth[edit]

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Roberts' net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $850,029 and $2,540,999. That averages to $1,695,514, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican senators in 2012 of $6,956,438.47. Roberts ranked as the 55th most wealthy senator in 2012.^[143] Between 2004 and 2012, Roberts' calculated net worth^[144] decreased by an average of 3 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.^[145]

Pat Roberts Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$2,196,924
2012	$1,695,514
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	−23%
Average annual growth:	−3%[146]
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.[147]

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric[edit]

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). In the 113th Congress, Roberts was the ranking Republican member of the United States Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Roberts received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Agricultural Services/Products industry.

From 1989-2014, 21.9 percent of Roberts' career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.^[148]

Pat Roberts Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$16,097,824
Total Spent	$14,982,235
Ranking member of the United States Senate Committee on Rules and Administration
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Agricultural Services/Products	$820,454
Leadership PACs	$782,472
Health Professionals	$678,260
Oil & Gas	$650,050
Securities & Investment	$594,962
% total in top industry	5.1%
% total in top two industries	9.96%
% total in top five industries	21.9%

Analysis[edit]

Ideology and leadership[edit]

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Roberts was a "far-right Republican," as of July 23, 2014. Roberts was rated as a "rank-and-file Republican" in June 2013.^[149]

Like-minded colleagues[edit]

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.^[150]

Roberts most often voted with: John Barrasso Joe Manchin

Roberts least often voted with: Susan Collins Maria Cantwell

Lifetime voting record[edit]

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Pat Roberts missed 167 of 6,002 roll call votes from January 1997 to September 2015. This amounts to 2.8 percent, which is worse than the median of 1.6 percent among current senators as of September 2015.^[151]

Congressional staff salaries[edit]

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Roberts paid his congressional staff a total of $2,691,541 in 2011. He ranked 8th on the list of the highest-paid Republican senatorial staff salaries and ranked 34th overall of the lowest-paid senatorial staff salaries in 2011. Overall, Kansas ranked 20th in average salary for senatorial staff. The average U.S. Senate congressional staff was paid $2,529,141.70 in fiscal year 2011.^[152]

National Journal vote ratings[edit]

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year.

2013[edit]

Roberts ranked 8th in the conservative rankings in 2013.^[153]

2012[edit]

Roberts ranked 26th in the conservative rankings in 2012.^[154]

2011[edit]

Roberts ranked 29th in the conservative rankings in 2011.^[155]

Voting with party[edit]

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014[edit]

Roberts voted with the Republican Party 89.4 percent of the time, which ranked 16th among the 45 Senate Republican members as of July 2014.^[156]

2013[edit]

Roberts voted with the Republican Party 89.9 percent of the time, which ranked 19th among the 46 Senate Republican members as of June 2013.^[157]

Personal[edit]

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Roberts married his wife Franki (nee Fann) in 1969. They have three children.^[4]

See also[edit]

• Kansas
• U.S. Senate delegation from Kansas
• United States Senate
• United States Senate elections, 2014

External links[edit]

Footnotes[edit]

Political offices
Preceded by Nancy Kassebaum Baker	U.S. Senate - Kansas 1997-2021	Succeeded by Roger Marshall (R)
Preceded by '	U.S. House - Kansas 1981-1987	Succeeded by '

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