Story perspectives

Congress Criticized for Record Low Productivity in 2025

12/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2025, the 119th Congress faced criticism for low productivity during U.S. President Donald Trump’s first year back in office.
The House passed only 38 bills, mostly disapproval resolutions, with 362 roll-call votes—the lowest for a first-year Congress this century.
The Senate was somewhat more active, but most votes targeted nominations rather than legislation.
Republican Rep. David Joyce said Congress "dropped the ball" on healthcare, noting rising health insurance premiums.

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Story summary

In 2025, the 119th Congress faced criticism for low productivity during U.S. President Donald Trump’s first year back in office.
The House passed only 38 bills, mostly disapproval resolutions, with 362 roll-call votes—the lowest for a first-year Congress this century.
The Senate was somewhat more active, but most votes targeted nominations rather than legislation.
Republican Rep. David Joyce said Congress "dropped the ball" on healthcare, noting rising health insurance premiums.