World Peace

THE SOAP OPERA

Is our current Congress a soap opera?

GoogleAI Mode: “In January 2026, many Americans would likely agree with that assessment. The current 119th Congress is operating under a cloud of historical dysfunction, marked by record-setting stalemates and high-stakes “cliffhangers” that resemble a scripted drama. 

As of early 2026, several factors contribute to this “soap opera” perception:

The Aftermath of the “Great Shutdown”: The fall of 2025 saw a 43-day government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history. The drama featured 14 failed votes on appropriations bills before a last-minute deal was struck in mid-November.

The January 30 “Season Finale”: Lawmakers are currently back in session with only eight working days together to avoid another shutdown on January 30, 2026. The central “plot point” is a stalemate over Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which expired on January 1, leading to exponential premium spikes for millions.

A “Cast” in Conflict: The House remains narrowly divided (219 Republicans to 213 Democrats), leading to constant power struggles. Intra-party feuds, particularly among Republicans, and aggressive “discharge petitions” from Democrats have created a “wasteland of soap-opera-level quality” according to some critics.

The “Epstein Files” Arc: A major ongoing storyline in January 2026 involves the piecemeal release of the Epstein files. Congressional leaders are currently clashing with the Department of Justice over heavy redactions, with some lawmakers calling for an immediate audit of the administration’s compliance.

Low “Ratings”: Public approval for Congress has cratered, sinking to 15% as of late December 2025. Polls show that voters’ primary feeling toward Washington has shifted from frustration to “rage,” particularly as they face rising medical costs while the government remains deadlocked. 

While the Senate is often compared to a “traditional daytime soap” with long dramatic arcs and backroom deals, the House is frequently described as more of a “reality TV show” like Survivor, where the cast changes frequently and disagreements are loud and sudden.”

VERSION II: THE SWAMP

Considering the past and next looming shutdown, is the GOP the swamp we need to drain?

GoogleAI Mode: “In January 2026, the question of who constitutes “the swamp” remains a central point of contention as the United States approaches another funding deadline on January 30, 2026. 

Whether the GOP is the institution needing “draining” is a matter of intense partisan debate, especially following a record-setting 43-day government shutdown that ended in November 2025. 

The GOP and the “Swamp” Narrative

Republican Stance: Many GOP leaders and supporters argue that the “swamp” consists of unelected federal bureaucrats and institutionalist Democrats who obstruct the administration’s agenda. They view shutdowns as a necessary tool to enforce fiscal discipline and reduce government overreach.

Democratic Stance: Democrats and critics argue that the GOP-led House and the Trump administration have created a “new swamp” of cronyism and disruption. They point to the October 2025 shutdown—the longest in U.S. history—as evidence of a “reckless” approach to governing that harms working families and national security. 

Current Conflict: The January 30 Deadline

The looming shutdown is largely fueled by a stalemate over healthcare funding and tax credits: 

Healthcare Subsidies: Democrats are demanding an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, which expired at the end of 2025.

Medicaid Cuts: Republicans have sought significant cuts to Medicaid as part of their broader spending strategy, which Democrats have vowed to block.

Federal Layoffs: A temporary ban on federal employee layoffs—which the Trump administration proposed to target the “deep state”—is set to expire on January 30, adding further tension to the negotiations. 

Public Perception and Political Fallout

Blame Distribution: As of late 2025, polls showed that 38% to 47% of Americans blamed Republicans for the shutdown, while 27% to 30% blamed Democrats.

2026 Midterms: With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, both parties are cautious. Some analysts suggest that prolonged shutdowns rarely benefit the party seen as the primary cause, while others believe voters will prioritize economic issues like inflation over the shutdown by the time they reach the polls.

Desire for Compromise: Roughly 63% of Americans prefer that lawmakers compromise to reach a budget agreement rather than fighting for priorities at the risk of a shutdown. 

Ultimately, whether the GOP represents a “swamp” depends on whether you value their efforts to drastically reduce federal spending or view their tactics as a disruption to essential government functions.”