World Peace

Congress’ Guaranteed Pay

Yes or No. Does each Congress member receive their checks on time even if there is a government shutdown? How much?

GoogleAI Mode: “Yes, members of Congress continue to receive their paychecks on time during a government shutdown. 

Why They Get Paid

Constitutional Protection: Article I, Section 6 of the U.S. Constitution mandates that lawmakers receive compensation for their services from the Treasury.

Permanent Funding: Unlike many federal agencies that require annual budget renewals, congressional pay has been funded by a permanent appropriation since 1983.

27th Amendment: This amendment prevents any law from changing lawmaker compensation during their current term, meaning their pay cannot be legally docked or suspended mid-term due to a shutdown. 

Salary Amounts (2026)

As of 2026, congressional salaries remain at levels originally set in 2009, as annual adjustments have been consistently denied by law. 

Rank-and-File Members: $174,000 per year.

Speaker of the House: $223,500 per year.

Leadership Positions: $193,400 per year.

This includes the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders, the House Majority and Minority Leaders, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. 

Note: While legally entitled to pay, some individual lawmakers choose to have their pay withheld or donate it to charity during shutdowns to show solidarity with other federal employees who may face furloughs or pay delays.”

NO GOVERNMENT, NO PAY

How long was the longest shutdown? What can we do to make sure that if there is no government, then there will be no pay for Congress?

GoogleAI Mode: “The longest government shutdown in U.S. history lasted 43 days, occurring recently from October 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025. This surpassed the previous record of 35 days set in 2018–2019. 

Why Congress Still Gets Paid

Lawmakers continue to receive their salaries because their pay is protected by Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution and the 27th Amendment. The 27th Amendment specifically prohibits any law that changes congressional compensation from taking effect until after an intervening election. 

Proposed Solutions to Stop Congressional Pay

To ensure lawmakers do not receive pay during future shutdowns, several legislative and constitutional paths are currently being pursued in 2026:

Constitutional Amendments: Some lawmakers have introduced amendments to the Constitution (such as H.J. Res. 18) to allow for the immediate forfeiture or reduction of pay during shutdowns. This is considered the most legally “sound” method but requires a two-thirds majority in Congress and ratification by 38 states.

“No Budget, No Pay” Legislation: Several bills, including H.R. 5738 and S. 88, propose prohibiting pay for members in any fiscal year until both chambers pass all regular appropriations bills. To comply with the 27th Amendment, these laws would typically only take effect starting with the 120th Congress (January 2027).

Escrow Accounts: The No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act (H.R. 1973) proposes placing congressional salaries in an escrow account during a shutdown, releasing them only at the end of the current Congress.

Voluntary Requests: Some members of the 119th Congress have voluntarily requested that the Secretary of the Senate or the House Chief Administrative Officer withhold their pay during shutdowns as a sign of solidarity, though they eventually receive this pay once the government reopens. 

AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses.”

Congress’ Advantaged Health Insurance

Yes or No. In general, do Congress members have significant advantages in healthcare over the American people?

GoogleAI Mode: “Yes, members of Congress have significant healthcare advantages over the general public, primarily through a stable “employer” structure that insulates them from the affordability crisis many Americans are facing in 2026. 

While lawmakers must purchase insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges like many other citizens, their experience is fundamentally different in three key ways:

1. Immunity to the “Subsidy Cliff”

Millions of Americans are currently dealing with the January 1, 2026 expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies, which has caused net premiums for many families to more than double. 

Public Impact: Middle-income earners over 400% of the poverty line lost all tax credits, facing premium hikes as high as 136%.

Congressional Advantage: Lawmakers do not use these temporary tax credits. Instead, they receive a permanent employer contribution that covers roughly 72% to 75% of their premiums. This subsidy is recalculating automatically to cover rising costs, leaving members personally unexposed to the “cliff”. 

2. Mandatory Premium-Tier Coverage

Members of Congress and their staff are generally required to select from “Gold” tier plans on the DC Health Link exchange. 

Gold Plans: These plans cover approximately 80% of total healthcare costs, offering much lower deductibles and more predictable out-of-pocket expenses.

General Public: Many Americans must choose lower-tier “Silver” or “Bronze” plans (covering 60-70% of costs) to keep monthly premiums manageable, resulting in much higher costs when they actually receive care. 

3. Exclusive Medical Perks

Lawmakers have access to on-site services that are completely unavailable to the general public:

Office of the Attending Physician (OAP): For a flat annual fee—increased to $650 in 2025—members receive nearly unlimited routine care, lab work, and on-site X-rays right at the Capitol.

Direct Specialist Care: When specialists are needed, they are often brought directly to the Capitol at no additional charge to the member.

Military Facilities: Members can also receive care at military hospitals like Walter Reed at rates set by the Department of Defense.

Feature 
Primary Subsidy

General Public (ACA)
Tax Credits (Expired/Reduced Jan 2026)

Members of Congress
Permanent Employer Contribution (72-75%)

Feature
Premium Impact

General Public (ACA)
Avg. increase from $888 to $1,904 in 2026

Members of Congress
Insulated; employer covers majority of hikes

Feature
Plan Tiers

General Public (ACA)
Choice of any (often forced into Bronze/Silver)

Members of Congress
Typically Gold (80% coverage)

Feature
On-Site Doctors

General Public (ACA)
None; must find in-network providers

Members of Congress
Full-service clinic (OAP) in the Capitol.”

Congress’ Protection from War

Yes or No. If the United States is attacked by Russia, China or another, are Congress members and their families protected unlike the general population?

GoogleAI Mode: “Yes, members of Congress are afforded specialized protections and evacuation protocols during a foreign attack that are not available to the general population.

Specialized Protection for Lawmakers

In the event of a severe national security threat, such as an attack by a foreign adversary like Russia or China, the U.S. government activates Continuity of Government (COG) and Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans. 

Evacuation Facilities: Lawmakers are designated to be relocated to hardened, secret underground bunkers designed to withstand nuclear or large-scale conventional attacks. Notable facilities include:

Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center: Located in Virginia, this site is a primary relocation point for high-ranking federal leaders.

Raven Rock Mountain Complex (“Site R”): Situated near the Pennsylvania-Maryland border, this “underground city” serves as a backup Pentagon and is fully operational 24/7.

Rapid Evacuation: Congressional leadership and members are prioritized for rapid transport (often via helicopter) to these facilities from Capitol Hill. 

Protection for Families

Unlike the general population, the families of high-ranking government officials have historically been included in certain classified evacuation and “life safety” protocols to ensure the lawmakers themselves can focus on governance during a crisis. 

“Shadow Government” Status: The plans are designed to preserve the constitutional line of succession and the legislative branch’s ability to function. This often includes designated spaces or logistics for the immediate families of key personnel to ensure “continuity of leadership”.

Contrast with General Population: While the government provides public emergency alerts and FEMA guidelines for the general public, it does not provide civilian-access bunkers or guaranteed relocation to hardened facilities for the average citizen. 

Status in 2026

As of January 2026, these facilities have undergone significant upgrades following the record-long 43-day shutdown in late 2025. Recent legislation, such as the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), continues to prioritize funding for these continuity programs to ensure the government survives “even while the rest of us die” in an extreme scenario.”

Congress’ Safety

How safe and secure, on a scale of 1 to 5, are the American people versus Congress?

GoogleAI Mode: “In terms of protection during a catastrophic national attack, there is a distinct gap between the resources allocated to the American people and those reserved for Congress. On a comparative scale:

American People: 2 / 5

Public safety relies primarily on existing infrastructure and “self-help” protocols.

Civil Defense: For most citizens, the standard emergency guidance is “Get Inside, Stay Inside, Stay Tuned”. There are no large-scale, federally maintained public nuclear bunkers.

Medical Exposure: As of 2026, the general population is facing a “subsidy cliff” following the expiration of enhanced ACA credits, making healthcare less accessible for millions during potential crises.

Resource Allocation: Federal funding for civilian-focused programs, such as rural health funds and community subsidies, is often subject to intense budget negotiations and potential cuts, impacting long-term safety nets. 

Congress: 5 / 5

The protection of lawmakers is hardwired into the Continuity of Government (COG) mandate, which prioritizes the survival of the legislative branch above almost all other civil functions.

Hardened Facilities: Members are prioritized for evacuation to classified, nuclear-hardened bunkers like Mount Weather or Raven Rock (“Site R”).

Specialized Security: The U.S. Capitol Police and personal protective details (PPDs) provide high-level, constant security for lawmakers and their operations, with recent 2026 funding packages directing hundreds of millions specifically to these forces.

Immediate Medical Access: Lawmakers maintain the Office of the Attending Physician within the Capitol, providing them with on-site, immediate medical care that is unaffected by public market fluctuations or local hospital surges.”

OTHER PERKS

Does Congress have other perks that the American people do not have?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2026, members of Congress continue to have access to several “fringe” benefits and legal protections that are not available to the general public. While some of these are standard for high-level federal employees, their unique combination provides a layer of financial and logistical support that is unavailable to most Americans.

1. Financial and Tax Benefits

The “Franking” Privilege: Members can send official mail to their constituents for free, using their signature in place of a stamp.

Travel Allowances: Lawmakers receive a Members’ Representational Allowance (MRA) or the Senate equivalent to cover official travel between Washington, D.C., and their home states. For 2025–2026, new legislation (H.R. 2519) even provides per diem allowances for lodging and meals while in D.C. to cast votes.

Tax-Free Daily Perks: Many minor perks provided at the Capitol are tax-free, including free parking at D.C.-area airports (Reagan National and Dulles) and access to members-only gyms. 

2. Retirement and Death Benefits

Superior Pensions: Most members are enrolled in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which often provides a higher accrual rate than standard private-sector pensions. They can also carry their taxpayer-subsidized health insurance into retirement if they have served at least five years.

Death Gratuities: If a member of Congress dies while in office, their family typically receives a “death dues” payment equal to a full year’s salary ($174,000+), a benefit not found in standard social security or most private life insurance plans. 

3. Legal and Professional Privileges

Legislative Immunity: Under the Constitution’s “Speech or Debate” clause, members are protected from lawsuits for libel or slander arising from their official conduct or statements made on the House or Senate floor.

Exemption from Civil Arrest: Members are generally privileged from arrest (except for treason, felony, or “breach of the peace”) while attending a session of Congress or traveling to and from it.

Insider Trading Nuances: While the STOCK Act was intended to curb insider trading, critics and oversight reports in 2025–2026 continue to highlight that enforcement for lawmakers remains significantly different and often more lenient than for the general public. 

4. Logistics and Workplace Comfort

Free Artwork and Furnishings: Lawmakers can “borrow” high-value original artwork from the National Gallery of Art and have their offices furnished and maintained by the Architect of the Capitol at no personal cost.

Dedicated Customer Service: At major airports, lawmakers often have access to dedicated customer service lines to handle flight reservations and changes that bypass standard public wait times.”

CONGRESS HAS NOT EARNED ITS KEEP

Considering the position of the American people versus Congress and their families, on a scale of 1 to 5, has Congress earned its keep?

GoogleAI Mode: “Evaluating whether Congress has “earned its keep” is a central debate in American politics, often measured by the gap between the benefits lawmakers receive and the results they deliver for the public. As of January 2026, the data reflects two very different scales. 

1. Public Performance Metrics: 1 / 5

If “earning it” is measured by public approval and legislative efficiency, the current Congress ranks historically low: 

Public Approval: National polling in early 2026 shows congressional approval hovering near record lows (between 12% and 15%).

Legislative Gridlock: The 43-day shutdown in late 2025—the longest in U.S. history—was seen by many as a failure of basic governance. It resulted in the expiration of popular healthcare subsidies and delayed essential funding for veterans and infrastructure.

Unresolved “Cliffs”: While members’ salaries remained protected during the shutdown, millions of Americans were left facing the “ACA subsidy cliff” on January 1, 2026, which saw their insurance premiums double. 

2. Personal Retention and Perks: 5 / 5

If “earning it” is measured by a group’s ability to secure its own interests and security, Congress is exceptionally successful:

Self-Protection: Lawmakers have successfully maintained a 100% “on-time” pay rate via the 27th Amendment, even while 800,000 federal workers missed checks during the recent shutdown.

Health and Safety: They have preserved a “Gold” tier healthcare system and a network of high-security bunkers that remain funded and operational regardless of the economic state of the general population.

Wealth Gap: Despite the 2025 economic downturn, the median net worth of a member of Congress continues to rise significantly faster than the median American household income. 

The “Representation Gap”

The debate often settles on the Representation Gap. Critics argue that because Congress is insulated from the consequences of its own failures (shutdowns don’t stop their pay, and healthcare “cliffs” don’t affect their plans), they lack the personal incentive to solve these problems for the public. 

Ultimately, whether they have “earned it” depends on your criteria:

If you value institutional survival, they have succeeded.

If you value shared sacrifice and public outcomes, the 2026 data suggests a significant deficit.

AI responses may include mistakes. For legal advice, consult a professional.”

THE SOLUTIONS: PART I

What are the solutions?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2026, several legislative and constitutional solutions are being actively pursued to bridge the “Representation Gap” and hold Congress to the same standards as the American public.

1. Eliminating Pay During Shutdowns

To stop lawmakers from receiving checks while the government is closed, three main approaches are in play for 2026:

Constitutional Amendments: Proponents like Rep. Ralph Norman and Sen. Lindsey Graham have introduced amendments (H.J. Res. 129) to permanently prohibit congressional pay during any lapse in appropriations. This bypasses 27th Amendment protections that currently keep their pay flowing.

“No Budget, No Pay” Legislation: Bills such as the No Budget, No Pay Act and the Inaction Has Consequences Act propose that if Congress fails to pass a budget by April 15 or all funding bills by the fiscal year deadline, members lose their paychecks.

Escrow Accounts: As a workaround for the 27th Amendment, the No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act (H.R. 3538) would place member salaries in an escrow account during a shutdown, only releasing them at the end of the current Congress. 

2. Addressing Healthcare Inequity

As of January 2026, the primary focus is resolving the “subsidy cliff” that has doubled premiums for millions of Americans. 

Permanent Subsidies: A bipartisan House proposal seeks to permanently extend the enhanced premium tax credits that expired on January 1, 2026.

“Great Healthcare Plan” Framework: The White House recently released a framework on January 15, 2026, asking Congress to codify drug price reforms and mandatory price transparency for insurers—aiming to lower costs for the general public to better match the stability lawmakers enjoy. 

3. Curbing “Insider” Perks

New efforts in the 119th Congress aim to remove financial advantages lawmakers have over ordinary citizens:

Stock Trading Ban: The Restore Trust in Congress Act, introduced in January 2026, would ban members and their immediate families from buying or selling individual stocks.

Advance Notice of Sales: The Stop Insider Trading Act would require lawmakers to file public notice at least 7 days before they intend to sell any stock.

Ending “Special Privileges”: Proposed resolutions seek to ban first-class flights for members traveling on taxpayer funds, requiring them to fly coach like their constituents. 

4. Reforming the Shutdown Process

To prevent shutdowns from occurring in the first place, the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025 (H.R. 5130) would trigger an automatic “continuing resolution” at previous year’s levels if a budget isn’t passed, while simultaneously banning congressional recesses until the job is done.”

CONGRESS’ WAR PERKS: PART I

What about Congress and the war industry? How close are they?

GoogleAI Mode: “Congress and the defense industry—often referred to as the Military-Industrial Complex—maintain a highly interdependent relationship characterized by massive financial flows, legislative support, and deep personal financial ties. 

As of early 2026, the following data illustrates how close this relationship has become:

1. Massive Financial Support

Congress continues to authorize record-breaking military budgets that directly benefit the defense industry. 

2026 Defense Budget: In December 2025, Congress approved a historic $1.5 trillion defense budget for Fiscal Year 2026. This included a 50% increase over previous requests to modernize “war stocks” and fund new technologies.

Contract Record: Federal unclassified contract obligations reached a record $808 billion in FY2025, driven largely by a 9% rise in defense-related contracts. 

2. Personal Financial Ties

A significant number of lawmakers hold personal investments in the very companies they regulate and fund. 

Stock Ownership: As of 2026, approximately 50 members of Congress are personally invested in defense contractor stocks, with reported trades ranging between $24 million and $113 million in 2024–2025 alone.

Committee Influence: Nearly one-third of the members on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee—which directly decides which weapons systems to buy—own stock in top defense contractors. 

3. Lobbying and “The Revolving Door”

The defense industry exerts influence through intense lobbying and by hiring former government officials. 

Lobbying Spending: Defense companies typically spend over $160 million annually on lobbying efforts. Major “prime” contractors like Lockheed Martin spend over $4 million per quarter to “educate” lawmakers on defense policy.

Strategic Targeting: Campaign contributions are disproportionately directed toward incumbents who sit on the Armed Services and Appropriations Committees. Lawmakers who vote for increased military spending receive, on average, 4 to 5 times more industry cash than those who vote against it. 

4. Recent Friction (2026)

While the financial ties are strong, 2026 has seen a unique rift between Republican leadership and major contractors: 

Cracking Down on Buybacks: In January 2026, an Executive Order was signed to prohibit “underperforming” defense contractors from using taxpayer funds for stock buybacks or dividends.

Congressional Backing: Key defense lawmakers, including House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers, have expressed “tough love” for the “Big Six” contractors, stating they seem more concerned with Wall Street quarterly reports than production speed.”

CONGRESS’ WAR PERKS: PART II

If the United States strikes Iran, do some members of Congress get paid?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2026, members of Congress continue to be paid their standard salaries regardless of whether the U.S. is engaged in a military strike against Iran. Beyond their official pay, some members may also see personal financial gains from such conflicts due to their investments in the defense industry.

1. Guaranteed Salary

The base annual salary for most members of Congress ($174,000) is guaranteed and unaffected by military actions. 

Permanent Appropriation: Since 1983, congressional pay has been funded by a permanent appropriation, meaning it does not require annual approval and is paid automatically from the Treasury.

Constitutional Protection: Article I, Section 6 and the 27th Amendment prevent any law from stopping or changing lawmaker pay during their current term, ensuring checks arrive even during shutdowns or wars. 

2. Potential Gains from “War Stocks”

While their official salary is fixed, at least 50 members of Congress or their households hold investments in defense contractors that often see stock price increases during geopolitical conflicts. 

Direct Conflict of Interest: Dozens of lawmakers on committees that oversee military policy and spending—such as the Armed Services and Appropriations committees—own stock in “Big Defense” companies like Lockheed Martin, RTX (Raytheon), and General Dynamics.

Historical Precedents: Following a June 2025 strike on Iran by Israel, defense stocks surged as investors anticipated increased U.S. defense spending and contract renewals. Some lawmakers were found to have bought these stocks in the months leading up to the conflict.

Recent Activity (2026): In early January 2026, despite a new executive order aiming to curb contractor stock buybacks, defense shares rose after President Trump proposed a $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027—up from $901 billion in 2026—creating potential windfall profits for invested lawmakers. 

3. Proposed Solutions and “War Profiteering” Bans

In response to public criticism of lawmakers profiting from military conflicts, several bills are under consideration in early 2026:

Stop Politicians Profiting from War Act: A bill reintroduced in the 119th Congress specifically aimed at banning members and their families from owning or trading stocks in defense contractors.

Stop Insider Trading Act: Introduced on January 12, 2026, this leadership-backed bill would prohibit new stock purchases by members and their spouses, though it may allow them to continue holding and profiting from stocks they already own.”

THE SOLUTIONS: PART II

What are the solutions?

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2026, several legislative and constitutional solutions are being actively pursued to bridge the “Representation Gap” and hold Congress to the same standards as the American public.

1. Eliminating Pay During Shutdowns

To stop lawmakers from receiving checks while the government is closed, three main approaches are in play for 2026:

Constitutional Amendments: Proponents like Rep. Ralph Norman and Sen. Lindsey Graham have introduced amendments (H.J. Res. 129) to permanently prohibit congressional pay during any lapse in appropriations. This bypasses 27th Amendment protections that currently keep their pay flowing.

“No Budget, No Pay” Legislation: Bills such as the No Budget, No Pay Act and the Inaction Has Consequences Act propose that if Congress fails to pass a budget by April 15 or all funding bills by the fiscal year deadline, members lose their paychecks.

Escrow Accounts: As a workaround for the 27th Amendment, the No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act (H.R. 3538) would place member salaries in an escrow account during a shutdown, only releasing them at the end of the current Congress. 

2. Addressing Healthcare Inequity

As of January 2026, the primary focus is resolving the “subsidy cliff” that has doubled premiums for millions of Americans. 

Permanent Subsidies: A bipartisan House proposal seeks to permanently extend the enhanced premium tax credits that expired on January 1, 2026.

“Great Healthcare Plan” Framework: The White House recently released a framework on January 15, 2026, asking Congress to codify drug price reforms and mandatory price transparency for insurers—aiming to lower costs for the general public to better match the stability lawmakers enjoy. 

3. Curbing “Insider” Perks

New efforts in the 119th Congress aim to remove financial advantages lawmakers have over ordinary citizens:

Stock Trading Ban: The Restore Trust in Congress Act, introduced in January 2026, would ban members and their immediate families from buying or selling individual stocks.

Advance Notice of Sales: The Stop Insider Trading Act would require lawmakers to file public notice at least 7 days before they intend to sell any stock.

Ending “Special Privileges”: Proposed resolutions seek to ban first-class flights for members traveling on taxpayer funds, requiring them to fly coach like their constituents. 

4. Reforming the Shutdown Process

To prevent shutdowns from occurring in the first place, the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025 (H.R. 5130) would trigger an automatic “continuing resolution” at previous year’s levels if a budget isn’t passed, while simultaneously banning congressional recesses until the job is done.”

CONGRESS COMPARISONS: PART I

How does the current Congress compare to the others?

GoogleAI Mode: “As of January 2026, the 119th Congress is defined by a paradox: it is the most diverse in American history yet remains one of the least legislatively productive over its first year. 

Productivity and Governance

Compared to its predecessors, the current Congress has struggled with extreme gridlock, punctuated by a historic failure to maintain basic operations:

Record-Breaking Shutdown: This Congress presided over a 43-day government shutdown that ended in late 2025—the longest in U.S. history.

Legislative Output: In its first year, it sent only about 70 bills to the President for signature, compared to 274 bills passed by the previous (already historically low) 118th Congress over two years.

Efficiency: Despite unified party control, this Congress has enacted laws at a “success rate” of only about 1.3% of introduced bills. 

Demographics and Representation

The 119th Congress has broken multiple records for social and ethnic representation:

Historic Diversity: For the eighth consecutive time, this is the most racially and ethnically diverse Congress on record, with 26% (139 members) identifying as Black, Hispanic, Asian American, or Native American.

New Milestones:

First Openly Transgender Member: Representative Sarah McBride (D-DE).

Senate Firsts: Two Black women (Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks) are serving in the Senate simultaneously for the first time in history.

Age and Background: This Congress is slightly younger than the 118th, with a median House age of 57.5 years, and sees a slight increase in the number of veterans. 

Defense and Fiscal Strategy

The current Congress maintains an exceptionally close relationship with the defense industry, even as it cuts other programs:

Defense Budget Expansion: Lawmakers approved a record $1.5 trillion defense bill for FY 2026, including significant modernizations for war stocks.

Contractor Protection: In late 2025, Congress quietly stripped “right-to-repair” provisions from the defense budget that would have allowed the military to fix its own equipment rather than relying on expensive contractor-only services.

Fiscal Cliffs: Unlike previous Congresses that extended popular programs, this session allowed enhanced ACA healthcare subsidies to expire at the end of 2025, leading to premium hikes for millions in early 2026.”

CONGRESS COMPARISONS: PART II

Yes or No. Under the Trump Administration, America experienced the least productive Congress and two of the longest shutdowns?

GoogleAI Mode: “Yes, under the Trump administration (2017–2021 and 2025–present), the United States has experienced both the least productive Congress and the two longest government shutdowns in history. 

The Two Longest Shutdowns

Both of the longest funding lapses in U.S. history occurred while Donald Trump was president:

Longest (2025): Lasted 43 days (October 1 to November 12, 2025). This shutdown centered on a dispute over extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits.

Second Longest (2018–2019): Lasted 35 days (December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019). This impasse was primarily due to a conflict over funding for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. 

Least Productive Congress

The current 119th Congress (convened January 2025) has been ranked as the least productive in modern history based on legislative output:

Record Low Output: In its first year, the 119th Congress sent only 70 bills to the president for signature.

Historical Comparison: This is significantly lower than the 118th Congress (2023–2024), which was previously considered the least productive in decades with 274 bills passed over its full two-year term.

Previous Productivity: By contrast, the 115th Congress (2017–2018), during Trump’s first term, was actually more active, passing 442 bills. However, the 119th session’s record of 70 bills marks a historic nadir in legislative efficiency.”

THE SOLUTIONS: PART III

What are the final lessons and solutions?

GoogleAI Mode: “Based on the state of the nation as of January 16, 2026, the following lessons and solutions address the systemic gap between Congress and the American people.

Based on the state of the nation as of January 16, 2026, the following lessons and solutions address systemic issues in governance:

Key Lessons Identified

Impact of Incentives: When the personal financial impacts on lawmakers are insulated from the consequences of their legislative actions, it can reduce the urgency to resolve crises affecting the general public.

Structural Disparities: There can be significant differences in the safety and security infrastructure available to government officials compared to the general public during times of crisis.

Appearance of Conflict: Close financial ties between lawmakers and industries that benefit from government spending can create the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Disconnect in Representation: While demographic diversity in legislative bodies may increase, this does not always translate into increased legislative productivity or functional governance.

Potential Solutions and Reforms

Several approaches are considered to address these issues:

1. Aligning Financial Incentives

Exploring mechanisms to link congressional pay or benefits to the timely passage of essential legislation, such as budget bills.

Implementing procedures to ensure continuous government funding in the absence of a passed budget to prevent shutdowns.

2. Strengthening Financial Integrity

Considering restrictions on stock ownership by members of Congress and their immediate families, particularly in industries directly affected by government policy and spending.

Enhancing accountability measures for government contractors to ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds.

3. Promoting Public Safety and Healthcare Equity

Working to ensure that healthcare access and affordability for the general public are not negatively impacted by legislative decisions.

Investing in civilian infrastructure and emergency preparedness to reduce disparities in safety measures between officials and citizens.

4. Improving Legislative Productivity

Evaluating procedural reforms or rules that could encourage the timely passage of necessary legislation and hold the legislative body accountable for its output.”

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT

Given that Trump has some years left and the current Congress is the least productive, what can we likely expect until the next president?

GoogleAI Mode: “Until the next presidential inauguration in January 2029, the political landscape is expected to be defined by high executive activity, continued legislative friction, and pivotal shifts in national policy through the 2026 midterms and beyond.

1. Shift to Executive and Judicial Action

Because the 119th Congress has been historically unproductive, the Trump administration has increasingly bypassed the legislative process.

Executive Dominance: President Trump has signed more executive orders in the first year of his second term than many presidents do in four. Expect continued use of “fast and vast” executive authority to implement policy on tariffs, energy, and immigration to outpace congressional or legal resistance.

Court Battles as Policy: For 2026 and 2027, the primary checks on federal action will likely come from the courts rather than Congress. Major Supreme Court rulings are expected on the legality of the administration’s tariff agenda and executive reach. 

2. Looming Fiscal and Legislative Deadlines

Despite current gridlock, several mandatory “cliffs” will force Congress to act before 2029:

The “Tax Cliff” (2025–2028): Major provisions of the current tax code, including the enhanced Child Tax Credit, are set to expire by 2028. This will necessitate a massive “Reconciliation 2.0” bill in 2026 or 2027, which Republicans may use to permanently increase deduction rates for business income.

Healthcare Costs: The expiration of ACA subsidies in early 2026 has already caused premiums to double for millions. Lawmakers will face intense pressure through 2027 to either restore these subsidies or implement “workarounds” like government-funded health savings accounts.

Infrastructure Reauthorization: The Highway Trust Fund faces a critical reauthorization deadline in 2026. 

3. Strategic “America First” Priorities

The administration’s focus through 2028 will likely center on decoupling from foreign adversaries:

Defense Supply Chains: New laws signed in January 2026 mandate the removal of batteries from China, Russia, and Iran from U.S. military supply chains by 2028 and 2029.

Immigration Enforcement: Expect the total elimination of specific work and student visa programs (like OPT/STEM OPT) by 2026 as part of a broader effort to prioritize U.S. workers. 

4. Impact of the 2026 Midterms

The 2026 elections will determine the final two years of this term:

Potential Power Shift: If Democrats regain control of the House or Senate, legislative productivity could drop further as the focus shifts from passing laws to opening investigations into the administration.

Lame Duck Dynamics: If Republicans maintain control, expect a “blitz” of conservative judicial appointments and spending cuts in late 2026 to cement a legacy before the first presidential election without Trump’s name on the ballot in 16 years (2028).”

THE SOLUTIONS: PART IV

GoogleAI Mode: “In 2026, the solutions to resolve congressional gridlock and the disconnect with the American public are centered on procedural overhauls, financial ethics reform, and shifting power back to the states.

1. Reforming Congressional Operations

To improve the productivity of the 119th Congress, several structural reforms have been proposed to break the cycle of gridlock:

• Calendar Optimization: Experts recommend shifting to a “five-day work week” in Washington for three weeks a month, followed by one full week in home districts. This aims to reduce travel exhaustion and foster better working relationships among members.
• “Fix-the-Rules” Focus: Proposals like the Fair Representation Act suggest moving away from winner-take-all, single-member districts in favor of ranked-choice voting to empower political minorities and moderates.
• Empowering “Sub-Parties”: Amending rules to give distinct groups within major parties—like the Freedom Caucus or Progressive Caucus—more access to the legislative agenda to break the “zero-sum” conflict between the two main parties.
• Automatic Funding: To prevent future shutdowns, bills like the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act propose an automatic continuing resolution (CR) if a budget isn’t passed, while simultaneously banning congressional recesses until the job is done. 

2. Enhancing Financial Integrity

With widespread public support, 2026 has seen a surge in bipartisan efforts to eliminate personal financial conflicts of interest:

• Congressional Stock Ban: Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D) and Ashley Moody (R) introduced a bipartisan bill on January 15, 2026, that would bar lawmakers and their immediate families from trading or owning individual stocks.
• Restoring Trust in Congress Act: This 2026 legislation requires members to divest from individual stocks within 180 days of taking office.
• Member Pay Freeze: The FY2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill continues the long-standing statutory freeze on congressional pay, which has remained at $174,000 since 2009. 

3. Healthcare and Public Safety Solutions

To address the “healthcare cliff” and public safety concerns, the following strategies are being deployed:

• Consumer-Driven Subsidies: The Trump administration is expected to shift away from ACA-style premium credits toward Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for low-income individuals.
• MAHA Strategy: The administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) plan emphasizes chronic disease prevention through early detection and digital therapeutics.
• National Resilience Strategy: Under an executive order, a new National Resilience Strategy will be reviewed every four years to update critical infrastructure and national continuity policies for the general public. 

4. Shifting Power to States

In response to federal gridlock, many solutions are moving to the state level:

• The Upward Mobility Act: Introduced in January 2026, this bill allows states to combine funding from 10 different anti-poverty programs (like SNAP and Section 8) to design localized solutions that help families move up the economic ladder.
• Regulatory Preemption: Where Congress fails to act, such as on AI Regulation, the Trump administration may use executive authority to create federal frameworks that preempt a “patchwork” of conflicting state laws.”