The 118th Congress is on track to being one of the least functional sessions ever, with only 34 bills passed since January of last year, the lowest number in recent history. This lack of productivity has frustrated both Democrats and Republicans, as important legislation stalls in the face of partisan gridlock. Despite efforts to address pressing issues facing the nation, such as healthcare, immigration, and infrastructure, lawmakers have struggled to find common ground.
This document lists a selection of bills that have been proposed by both Democrats and Republicans designed to support working families, improve healthcare access, and address climate change. However, many of these bills have languished in committee or failed to garner enough support to pass both chambers of Congress. The inability to move legislation forward has left many Americans feeling disillusioned with their elected representatives.
The results show a slight improvement in bipartisanship in 2023, but remained near record lows. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) ranked first among Republicans for bipartisanship, while Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) was the top Democrat. Despite these individual efforts, the overall atmosphere in Congress remains deeply divided along party lines.
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Appropriations Committee met to consider the Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. The bill includes funding for border security, disaster relief, and cybersecurity measures. However, partisan disagreements over immigration policy and funding levels have stalled progress on the legislation.
The Center for American Progress has periodically analyzed statements by sitting members of Congress to determine whether they deny the existence of climate change or support efforts to combat it. The findings reveal a stark partisan divide, with Republicans more likely to deny the scientific consensus on climate change.
The current 118th Congress is possibly the least productive in the institution's history. In 2023, Congress only passed 34 bills into law, a stark contrast to previous sessions that saw hundreds of bills enacted. This lack of legislative accomplishments has left many important issues unresolved, creating uncertainty for the American people.
Center for Biological Diversity: WASHINGTON— Nearly 250 climate, environmental, health and human rights groups called on Senate Majority Leader to prioritize legislation that addresses climate change and protects vulnerable communities. Despite widespread support for action on climate change, Congress has struggled to pass comprehensive legislation to address this urgent issue.
The law with the next-largest budgetary effects—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (P.L. 118-31)—will decrease deficits by reducing military spending. This represents a significant shift in priorities for Congress, as lawmakers grapple with balancing national security needs with fiscal responsibility.
Overall, the 118th Congress faces significant challenges in addressing the needs of the American people. Partisan gridlock, ideological divides, and a lack of legislative accomplishments have undermined the effectiveness of Congress in representing the interests of its constituents. As the session continues, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers can overcome these obstacles to pass meaningful legislation and address the pressing issues facing the nation.
