Congress Dysfunction Deepens: Urgent Reform Needed
Congress Faces Growing Dysfunction
As 2025 draws to a close, Capitol Hill confronts a troubling reality: legislative productivity remains historically low despite unified party control. The 119th Congress has enacted only 133 pieces of legislation in its first hundred days, with former lawmakers warning that institutional challenges run far deeper than recent partisan gridlock. These veteran legislators point to structural problems that have accumulated over decades, creating an environment where meaningful legislative work becomes increasingly difficult.
Systemic Challenges Plague Lawmakers
The core issues extend beyond typical political disagreements. Members face scheduling conflicts that force them to juggle multiple committee meetings simultaneously, limiting their ability to engage substantively in legislative work. The traditional three-day work week in Washington, combined with extensive travel requirements, further constrains productive time. Congressional calendars have become increasingly compressed, making comprehensive policy work nearly impossible within existing timeframes.
Reform Urgently Needed
Addressing these systemic failures requires fundamental restructuring of how Congress operates. Extended session days, optimized scheduling, and reduced travel demands could restore legislative capacity. Without significant institutional reform, Congress risks continued deterioration in its ability to address national priorities effectively.
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