I think this whole question and analysis begs the question that the number of bills passed is even a good metric. The point of Congress isn’t simply to churn out legislation for the sake of churning out legislation. And this metric sets aside other stuff Congress does completely, like confirming appointments, or overseeing the actions of Federal Departments. House Oversight Committee meetings aren’t flashy, nor do they often result in legislation. But, they are vital to keeping an eye on what the rest of the government is doing.
I won’t disagree that this Congress has been a shitshow. But, I just don’t buy that the “number of bills passed” is a particularly useful measure of Congress.
I think this whole question and analysis begs the question that the number of bills passed is even a good metric. The point of Congress isn’t simply to churn out legislation for the sake of churning out legislation. And this metric sets aside other stuff Congress does completely, like confirming appointments, or overseeing the actions of Federal Departments. House Oversight Committee meetings aren’t flashy, nor do they often result in legislation. But, they are vital to keeping an eye on what the rest of the government is doing.
I won’t disagree that this Congress has been a shitshow. But, I just don’t buy that the “number of bills passed” is a particularly useful measure of Congress.