119th Congress Sets Modern Record for Fewest Laws Passed in First Year of Presidency

The 119th Congress closed 2025 having passed fewer laws than any first year of a new presidency since at least 1989, according to Washington Post analysis. The House held the fewest floor votes in an odd year since at least 1989. Congress also set the record for longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Analysts attributed low output to a narrow House majority, internal Republican divisions, and the White House's preference for executive action over legislation.