Let’s start with the good news about the first session of the 118th Congress. Lawmakers successfully avoided — or postponed — any major self-inflicted disasters. The debt limit was extended on time, averting a potential default. Temporary spending bills were passed before the deadline, twice, pushing any possible federal government shutdown until January. And several other key programs, such as those contained in the farm bill, similarly were extended.

It’s a bit of a myth that no significant legislation passes during election years and even more of a myth that important laws can’t be passed with a divided government). But so far, this is shaping up to be a historically inactive Congress — just barely doing the minimum. Fewer than 30 bills will be enacted into law this year, by far the fewest since at least 1973. Even that’s probably an understatement, given the minimal effect of what did pass compared to what happens during a typical session.

QOSHE - Year-End Grade for the 118th Congress: Barely Passing - Jonathan Bernstein
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Year-End Grade for the 118th Congress: Barely Passing

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22.12.2023

Let’s start with the good news about the first session of the 118th Congress. Lawmakers successfully avoided — or postponed — any major self-inflicted disasters. The debt limit was extended on time, averting a potential default. Temporary spending........

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