The year 2025 saw a significant shift in power dynamics, with Congress feeling increasingly marginalized and seeking to reclaim its authority. Lawmakers are looking ahead to 2026, hoping to restore Congress's relevance, which many believe has been ceded to the White House during President Trump's tenure.
The Trump administration's actions over the past year have sparked frustration and concern among Democrats and even some Republicans. Unilateral decisions, such as shuttering federal agencies, imposing tariffs, and conducting military operations, have led to cries of foul play. With the approaching midterm elections adding pressure, the question arises: Will Congress be able to make a comeback?
The Power Struggle
Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) expressed his concerns, stating, "I've been worried about this for a decade. It doesn't seem to be getting any better; it's getting worse."
The "One Big Beautiful Bill," a signature legislative achievement for Republicans, passed using a process that bypassed the Democratic filibuster in the Senate. However, this bill, which extended tax cuts and boosted defense and immigration enforcement while cutting spending on Medicaid and food assistance, may be the only substantial legislation Republicans pass this year.
Gridlock and Party Dynamics
The power dynamics within Congress have also contributed to the gridlock. A tiny, ideologically diverse Republican majority in the House, combined with a Democratic caucus dedicated to opposing the GOP, has made passing meaningful bills through the House extremely challenging. Senate dynamics are no different, with a 53-seat Republican majority largely protecting them from confirmation fights, but also leading to a sense of marginalization for Democrats and some Republicans.
A GOP operative highlighted the internal divisions within the Republican Party, stating, "A conference with leaders like Andy Harris, Chip Roy, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Don Bacon will never produce meaningful legislation on issues that can pass with all Republican support. It's just not going to happen."
Speaker's Decision and Shutdown
Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-La.) decision to keep House members home during the 43-day government shutdown further exacerbated the problems. Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) commented, "I've never been in a shutdown where we shut down Congress too, voluntarily, because we think it's good messaging."
Marginalization and Resistance
Senate Democrats, along with some Republicans, have felt increasingly sidelined throughout the year. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) has been a key figure in pushing back against Trump's emergency actions, forcing people to confront their positions on executive powers.
Some Republicans, like Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), expressed unease when Trump moved to rescind funding that had passed on a bipartisan basis. She stated, "Congress bears the constitutional responsibility for funding our government, and any effort to claw back resources outside of the appropriations process undermines that responsibility."
Bypassing Leadership
In some instances, lawmakers have managed to push back, but often through unconventional means. A small group of Republicans has banded together with the minority to bypass leadership. Notably, four Republicans signed a discharge petition in the House to force a vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein-related files, leading to a reversal of Trump's and top Republicans' positions, resulting in almost unanimous support for the bill in both chambers.
Disillusionment and Retirements
The high number of members of Congress announcing their retirements is a telling sign of disillusionment with the job. At the midway point of the 119th Congressional session, 43 House members and nine incumbent senators have announced their departures, the highest number since 2011.
Appropriations: A Glimmer of Hope
Some see appropriations as a potential turning point, with the two parties pushing to fund the government by the January 30th deadline. Lawmakers view this as a significant opportunity to boost congressional relevance, as appropriations are constitutionally within Congress's purview.
Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.), an appropriator, emphasized, "It's really important. It's about the power of the purse. It's about us determining what gets funded and what doesn't. It's setting priorities. January is going to be a big month."
The Road Ahead
With the election looming, some lawmakers remain cautious about the prospects for bipartisan cooperation on key topics. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) expressed pessimism, stating, "This administration brought a lot of change, much of it good. But it has driven people into their political corners. I'm not optimistic about a lot of bipartisan work in any of the politically thorny areas."
And this is where it gets controversial... Will Congress be able to reclaim its power and relevance in 2026? Or will the political landscape continue to favor the White House? The upcoming year will be a test of Congress's ability to unite and make a difference. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
