Congress passes fewest laws in modern history in 2025

Congress passed fewer than 40 laws in 2025. This is the lowest legislative output in the first year of any modern presidency. C-SPAN and Purdue University maintain the historical data showing this record.

The 43-day government shutdown from Oct. 1 to Nov. 13, 2025, was the longest in U.S. history. It surpassed the previous record of 35 days set in 2018-2019. During the shutdown, 800,000 federal workers went without pay.

Four discharge petitions successfully bypassed House leadership in 2025. Discharge petitions require 218 signatures to force a floor vote without leadership approval. This was the most successful discharge petitions in a single year.

The Senate took 659 roll call votes in 2025—more than any previous year. Most were on judicial and executive branch nominations. The Senate confirmed 417 Trump nominees during the year.

Rep. MMMichael McCaul (R-TX), who is retiring after 20 years, said Congress has become toxic with vitriolic debate and demonizing the other side. He's among a record number of members leaving Congress.

The government shutdown cost the economy an estimated $3 billion according to the Congressional Budget Office. The shutdown forced agencies to furlough workers and delay services. Some costs will never be recovered.

Speaker Mike Johnson faced multiple challenges to his leadership during the year. The narrow Republican majority made passing legislation difficult. Johnson needed Democratic votes to end the shutdown.