Congress Passed Just 34 Bills That Became Law in 2023

Productivity crisis or timely restraint? Experts say there’s more to Congress than the number of bills passed.

Newly elected Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) speaks in the House chamber after his election at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Oct. 25, 2023. Win McNamee/Getty Images

News Analysis

A mere 34 new laws were passed during the first session of the 118th Congress, prompting debate among political analysts, legislative experts, and media on Capitol Hill as to whether the low number points to a congressional productivity crisis or something else entirely.