Why Congress is Struggling to Get Anything Done

Congress is in a tough spot. It's not functioning as well as it should. Many former lawmakers say it's broken. They point to several big problems. First, lawmakers are leaving in record numbers. They're tired of the gridlock. They feel like they can't get anything done. This isn't just about one administration. It's been building for a long time. Former members say Congress is too polarized. It's worse than ever. Even during big fights like the Clinton impeachment, they still got things done. Now, it's harder to find common ground. Committees used to be powerful. Now, party leaders control everything. This makes it tough for regular members to have a say. They feel like they can't do their jobs.The congressional calendar is another issue. Lawmakers spend more time traveling than working. This makes it hard to build consensus. It also hurts their families. They miss important events at home. Threats against lawmakers are on the rise. This makes it harder for them to do their jobs. They have to worry about their safety. This is a big change from the past. Some former members say Congress is giving up its power. The executive branch is taking more control. This is a problem for democracy. Despite all these challenges, some say there's still hope. They believe good people can still make a difference. But it's not easy.