The Republican-controlled Congress in 2025 has set several records, though not all are ones lawmakers might wish to highlight.
According to the Daily Caller, fewer than 40 bills were signed into law by December 22, marking the lowest legislative output in the first year of a new presidency in modern history. This statistic, drawn from C-SPAN and Purdue University data, underscores the challenges faced by the GOP despite their control.
The House recorded a mere 362 votes, the lowest for any first session in a two-year Congress this century, a stark contrast to the 2017 session during President Donald Trump's initial year in office, which saw Republicans in command.
Despite the limited legislative activity, the Senate conducted a record number of roll-call votes for an odd-numbered year in the 21st century, totaling 659. Nearly 60% of these votes were focused on advancing President Trump's executive and judicial nominees, reflecting the Senate's prioritization of confirmations over other legislative matters.
The Republican majority has also been proactive in utilizing the Congressional Review Act, a legislative tool that has gained traction under recent GOP leadership. Their efforts have targeted 22 regulations from the Biden era, addressing issues such as fossil fuel production, gas-powered vehicles, and overdraft fees.
President Trump's increasing reliance on executive orders has also contributed to the perceived "lack of productivity" in Congress. In his second term, he has issued 225 executive orders, a significant increase from the 55 signed in 2017, surpassing the total from his entire first term. T
his reliance on executive action has led to numerous court challenges, further complicating the legislative landscape. Meanwhile, the House is experiencing a notable exodus of lawmakers, with 24 Republicans and 19 Democrats announcing plans to retire or seek other offices. This trend is on track to set a 21st-century record for departures in a single Congress, as reported by C-SPAN and Purdue.
While Senate retirements remain consistent with the 2024 cycle, the House is witnessing its highest rate of departures in over a decade, according to Ballotpedia. The Senate has devoted much of its time to confirmations, leaving limited room for other legislative endeavors beyond essential measures.
The House has similarly faced slowdowns, with Speaker Mike Johnson occasionally adjourning the chamber early due to internal disagreements. In July, divisions within the GOP over a proposed vote to compel the Justice Department to release files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation stalled legislative action.
In late September, Johnson sent the House home for seven weeks to pressure Senate Democrats into accepting a short-term funding deal for federal agencies. This standoff contributed to a record 43-day government shutdown.
Republicans continue to grapple with their next steps, governing with narrow margins: a House majority of just a few seats and a slim 5347 Senate advantage. The challenges of maintaining unity and advancing a conservative agenda remain at the forefront of their legislative efforts.
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