Congressional dysfunction and executive-power concerns deepen

The 119th Congress continues to face criticism for historically low legislative output, gridlock, shutdown risk, weak oversight, and a muted response to agency closures and executive initiatives. The House’s extended recess, GAO-reported $9.5 billion in administrative-leave costs, bipartisan Iran war-powers support, unresolved health measures, and preliminary Farm Bill action show that bipartisan agreement has not reliably produced legislation.