Full Breakdown
Record High Disapproval of Congress Amid Ongoing DHS Shutdown
4/22/2026, 9:35:54 PM
Current Congressional Approval Ratings
A recent Gallup poll conducted from April 1 to April 15, 2026, reveals that disapproval of Congress has reached a record high of 86%, with only 10% of Americans expressing approval of lawmakers' performance. This approval rating is just above the all-time low of 9%, recorded in 2013. The survey highlights a significant decline in approval among Republican voters, with only 20% approving of Congress, a stark drop from 63% in March 2025. In contrast, approval among Democrats remains low at 3%, nearing their historical low of 2%.
Factors Contributing to Discontent
The ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), now in its 10th week, is a primary driver of public dissatisfaction. Historically, spikes in congressional disapproval have coincided with government shutdowns, and this trend continues with the current situation. Additionally, frustrations among Republicans stem from stalled legislation, notably the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which has not progressed in the Senate despite passing the House in 2025.
Broader national issues, including tensions related to the U.S. conflict with Iran, rising gas prices, and recent ethics scandals involving two members of Congress who resigned during the polling period, have further contributed to the negative sentiment towards Congress.
Historical Context of Congressional Approval
Gallup has tracked congressional approval since 1974, with an average approval rating of 28% and disapproval at 65%. The highest recorded approval was 84% in October 2001, following the September 11 attacks. Approval ratings have generally remained low, particularly in recent years, with sustained periods below 30%. The current Republican-led 119th Congress began with a 17% approval rating in January 2025, which peaked at 31% in March 2025 before plummeting during and after the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the current Congress point to the inability to pass significant legislation as a major factor in the declining approval ratings. The stalled SAVE Act, which aims to require proof of citizenship for voter registration, has been a focal point of frustration among Republican constituents. Additionally, the ongoing DHS funding impasse has left many government employees without pay, exacerbating public dissatisfaction.
Official Statements & Responses
Gallup noted that “Congress has weathered periods of deep public disapproval before,” suggesting that approval ratings can recover when conditions improve. However, the current sentiment indicates a significant challenge for lawmakers moving forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Congress has weathered periods of deep public disapproval before,” — Gallup Analysis
- “Nathan Howard/REUTERS The partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—now in its 10th week—appears to be a major driver of public dissatisfaction.” — Gallup Report
- “Republicans are driving much of the decline in approval ratings, according to Gallup.” — Gallup Findings
- “Approval has at times recovered relatively quickly once conditions changed.” — Gallup Analysis
This polling data underscores a critical moment for Congress, as public sentiment reaches unprecedented lows amid ongoing political and economic challenges.
