U.S. Congress Faces 90% Public Discontent as Experts Say It Has Ceded Power to Presidents
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 19
U.S. Congress Faces 90% Public Discontent as Experts Say It Has Ceded Power to Presidents
1 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 19
Summary
Nearly 9 in 10 Americans are unhappy with Congress, and analysts from Brookings, AEI and The New York Times describe the institution as broken, marginalized and diminished.
Over 260 executive orders in President Trump's current term have reinforced a long-running shift of power to the White House, with experts saying Congress has ceded authority on spending, trade and war powers.
The 119th Congress has passed fewer bills than many predecessors, with tight partisan margins, weak bipartisan cooperation and members increasingly focused on backing or fighting the president rather than legislating.
A $30 trillion public debt, housing costs and Social Security pressures are fueling public anger, even as scholars say polarization and fragmented parties make broad governing majorities harder to build.
Experts see little near-term reason for optimism, though some argue Congress can eventually rebuild its constitutional role if members choose compromise and institutional reform.