As Congress gears up for another tumultuous year in Washington, lawmakers face a daunting and divisive agenda. With a long list of pressing issues carried over from the previous year, including immigration reform, Ukraine funding, preventing a government shutdown, Biden impeachment proceedings, and the renewal of government surveillance powers, the road ahead appears treacherous. On top of these challenges, Congress must also reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the farm bill. With the first funding deadline swiftly approaching on January 19th, lawmakers must hit the ground running amidst the backdrop of the impending 2024 election.
Traditionally, an election year is not conducive to bipartisan cooperation, as political motivations tend to entrench lawmakers in their respective positions. The current Congress returns to work at a time when deep divisions persist over contentious issues, exemplified by the impeachment inquiry launched just before the end of December. The historically unproductive track record of this Congress, having passed a meager 27 bills in the 118th Congress, further dims hopes for productive governance. While some conservatives may dispute this metric, the basic task of funding the government remains a priority that demands attention.
