The shutdown – and the House’s inaction – helps pave Congress’ path to irrelevance

Where's Congress? The institution is unwilling to assert itself as an equal branch of government. 4X6, iStock/Getty Images Plus

Many Americans will be voting on Election Day – or have already cast votes – in races for statewide office, local positions and on ballot initiatives with major implications for democracy.

Congress is not on the ballot this November, but it will be in the 2026 midterms. A year from now, Americans in every state and district will get to vote for whom they want representing their interests in Washington.