Recent developments in Congress have highlighted ongoing difficulties in lawmaking. The Senate's appropriations committee is currently divided over spending authorizations, which is affecting the passage of necessary spending bills and raising concerns about a potential government shutdown on October 1. Additionally, Congress has not reauthorized Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, impacting national security operations.
The House of Representatives has been out of session for significant periods, limiting legislative progress on various bills, including those related to cryptocurrency taxation, highway and transit programs, and an updated farm bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed concerns over the financial state of Social Security, warning that benefits may be cut in 2032 if Congress does not take action.
Public approval of Congress has decreased to 12%, down from 18% in January, according to Gallup. This decline reflects a long-standing dissatisfaction with congressional performance, as evidenced by multiple shifts in party control in both the House and Senate since 2004.
A report from the Brennan Center identifies Congress as being overburdened, under-resourced, and gridlocked. It notes that the House of Representatives lacks sufficient staff to manage legislative duties effectively, with each member limited to 18 permanent staff since 1975. The report also highlights outdated committee systems and a disproportionate ratio of legislators to constituents, suggesting an increase in House membership to 600.
The report raises concerns about the representation of working-class individuals in Congress, attributing this to low pay and high living costs in Washington, D.C. Additionally, it points out that many legislators are aging, which may hinder effective governance. The authors recommend reforms to modernize Congress and better serve the needs of contemporary Americans.