Congress began 2025 with bold plans to bolster the economy, secure the border, and enhance military strength, but ended the year having passed a record-low number of bills and surrendered significant authority to President Trump. Internal divisions hampered Republican leaders in both chambers amid narrow majorities. Looking ahead, midterm elections and pressing issues like affordability loom large.
At the start of 2025, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism in his opening address, stating, "In spite of our great challenges, and even our disagreements and our healthy debates, this extraordinary institution - the people's House - will still be standing strong."
Despite these ambitions, legislative output was dismal. According to C-SPAN, the number of laws enacted hit an all-time low. The sole major accomplishment was the "One Big Beautiful Bill," a tax and spending measure that became law, though its economic effects remain uncertain. Congress yielded considerable power to the executive branch, including dismantling parts of the federal government, redirecting prohibited spending during a 43-day shutdown, and clawing back billions in previously approved funds.
In the House, Johnson's narrow Republican majority eroded as he lost grip on his conference. Rank-and-file members succeeded with discharge petitions to bypass leadership, most notably one that released the Jeffrey Epstein files. The prolonged shutdown led to virtual closure of the chamber and fueled Republican dissent, contributing to nearly 30 GOP retirements by year's end.
The Senate, under Majority Leader John Thune, faced fewer overt conflicts but still encountered hurdles. It confirmed most of Trump's nominees for administration and courts, yet some Republicans recently voiced public opposition to actions like strikes on suspected drug traffickers at sea. Thune reflected, "You know, I mean, sometimes you get frustrated that you don't get the things done you want to get done. But you got to keep trying there."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer noted that the year's chaos, including government disruptions, economic strains, and tariff policies, has opened opportunities for Democrats. As 2026 approaches, Congress eyes November midterms, a potential January shutdown, an affordability crisis, and rising health insurance premiums following the lapse of Obamacare subsidies—issues likely to intensify electoral pressures.
