Full Breakdown
Congressional Inaction and Health Care Challenges Ahead of 2026 Midterms
12/24/2025, 8:47:18 PM
Legislative Productivity at Historic Lows
In 2025, Congress experienced unprecedented legislative stagnation, with fewer than 40 bills signed into law, marking the lowest output in a president's first year in modern history. Republican lawmakers attributed this inaction largely to President Donald Trump's extensive use of executive orders, which accounted for over 70% of the total executive orders issued during the Obama and Biden presidencies combined. Representative David Joyce (R-OH) remarked on the lack of significant accomplishments, stating, "I guess we got the big, beautiful bill done. Other than that, I really can't point to much that we got accomplished."
Despite the Republican majority, the House cast only 362 votes, significantly fewer than in 2017, and nearly 60% of Senate votes were dedicated to confirming Trump's nominees rather than passing new legislation. This shift in power dynamics has raised concerns about the diminishing relevance of Congress and the potential long-term implications for governance.
Health Care Subsidies Set to Expire
As Congress recessed for the year, it left unresolved the fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that benefit approximately 22 million Americans. Without action, these subsidies are set to expire on December 31, 2025, leading to projected premium increases of up to 114% for many enrollees. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that around 4 million individuals could lose their health coverage as a result. The failure to extend these subsidies has become a focal point for criticism against Republican leadership, particularly as rising health care costs are increasingly prioritized by voters.
Internal GOP Frustrations and Leadership Challenges
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has faced mounting criticism from within his party, with some Republicans accusing him of losing control over the House. Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) expressed frustration over Congress's inability to address rising health insurance rates, while other GOP members have defected to support Democratic-led initiatives. This internal dissent reflects broader concerns about the party's direction and effectiveness under Trump's influence.
Critics within the GOP have described Johnson as overly deferential to Trump, with some labeling him a "puppet" of the president. Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) emphasized the need for more aggressive action on conservative priorities, indicating a desire for a shift in strategy as the party approaches the midterm elections.
Public Sentiment and Political Implications
Public approval ratings for Congress remain low, with only 17% of Americans expressing satisfaction with its performance. The economic outlook is similarly bleak, with 47% of respondents describing current economic conditions as "poor." As health care costs loom large in voters' minds, Democrats are expected to leverage this issue in the upcoming elections, potentially benefiting from the GOP's inaction.
Polling indicates that a significant portion of the electorate blames Trump and congressional Republicans for the impending health care crisis. With health care emerging as a critical issue, Democrats are poised to capitalize on Republican shortcomings, reminiscent of the 2018 midterm elections when health care was a decisive factor.
What's Next
As Congress reconvenes in January 2026, the urgent need to address the ACA subsidies will be a top priority. The outcome of this legislative battle could significantly influence the political landscape heading into the midterms, with both parties aware that the stakes are high for millions of Americans relying on affordable health care.
