Big News Alert: Is Our Legislature Failing?

Former lawmakers are sounding a grave alarm: the U.S. Congress, particularly the House, is in a state they describe as a "coma." This isn't just hyperbole; they point to legislative stagnation, record departures, and a reputation as the least productive in modern history. As the nation wraps up a year shadowed by government shutdowns and under the second Trump administration, the signs of a deeply troubled legislative body are undeniable.

Veterans of Capitol Hill reveal that this paralysis isn't a sudden crisis but a culmination of years of eroding functionality and escalating polarization. When members like former Rep. Jim Cooper, who served for 32 years, declare,

"It's hard to tell that it's even alive as an institution,"

What Could Go Wrong: The Unraveling of American Governance

The consequences of this congressional dysfunction extend far beyond mere political squabbling. We are witnessing a profound centralization of power within party leadership, effectively sidelining committees and individual members. This means that genuine legislative work, once a path to influence, is now often reduced to voting on "messaging bills" that have no real chance of becoming law, as noted by former Rep. Reid Ribble.

Furthermore, the article highlights a dangerous erosion of the separation of powers. Former members decry Congress's increasing tendency to abdicate its responsibilities to the executive branch. From a president unilaterally raising tariffs without congressional approval to the use of "pocket rescissions" to cancel appropriated funding, the executive is gaining unprecedented power. This fundamental shift undermines the constitutional framework designed to ensure checks and balances.

The impact reaches even deeper, affecting the very fabric of who serves. A congressional calendar optimized for fundraising over collaboration deepens partisanship, making compromise nearly impossible. This hostile environment, coupled with a dramatic surge in threats against lawmakers, makes public service a less appealing, and frankly, more dangerous endeavor. Who will serve when the job offers little satisfaction and immense personal risk?

Who Must Answer: Confronting the Architects of Dysfunction

So, who is accountable for this alarming decline? The spotlight falls squarely on party leadership, whose increasing control over legislative processes stifles rank-and-file members and starves bipartisan efforts. Former Rep. Dan Lipinski describes how the speaker's office dictates committee bills, effectively turning committees into rubber stamps rather than centers of legislative innovation. This top-down approach suffocates genuine debate and collaboration.

We must also question the culture that rewards extreme partisanship with media attention and fundraising dollars, further incentivizing division over unity. When lawmakers feel compelled to assure colleagues they don't view them as "enemies," as former Rep. Anna Eshoo did, it speaks volumes about the toxic atmosphere. And let's not ignore the practical implications of congressional salaries failing to keep pace with the cost of living; this disproportionately affects who can afford to serve, potentially deterring qualified, committed individuals.

Ultimately, the article raises a critical challenge to both past and present lawmakers: have they prioritized political maneuvering and self-preservation over the integrity and effectiveness of the institution itself? The "deference to a president," regardless of party, that silences dissent within the whip team, is a direct assault on the democratic process. This isn't just about policy; it's about principle.

Your Call: Are You OK With This?

The former lawmakers' collective lament paints a stark picture: an institution designed to be the most important branch of government is actively disengaging, losing its voice, and ceding its constitutional authority. They warn that a "functionless" Congress "has taken itself out of the game." This isn't just political news; it's a profound challenge to every American citizen.

When a body meant to represent the people is consumed by internal paralysis, unable to address critical issues, and increasingly unsafe for its members, what does that mean for your future? When power silently shifts from the people's representatives to the executive, are your interests truly being served?

This is not a partisan question; it's a fundamental one about the health of our republic. Are you okay with a Congress that is "in a coma," failing to make a difference in your life, and unable to govern effectively? Are you OK with this?