Congress

Survey Report As 2014 draws to a close, the public is deeply pessimistic about the prospects for healing the nation’s deep political divisions. And most Americans think continued partisan gridlock would wreak significant damage on the country. To start, perceptions of the current level of political division continue at record levels: 81% say the country […]

Lame duck congressional sessions have become more common in recent years, but their actual legislative productivity has varied considerably.

Survey Report After a sweeping midterm election victory on Nov. 4, the Republican Party retook full control of Congress. But the public has mixed reactions to the GOP’s big win – much as it did four years ago, after Republicans gained control of the House though not the Senate. The post-election survey by the Pew […]

If history is any guide, well under half of eligible voters will come out to vote in Tuesday's midterms.

Most eligible voters -- typically 8-in-ten or more -- live in House districts with little or no real competition between candidates and parties.

Survey Report With less than two weeks before the midterm elections, the Republican Party holds significant leads on several major issues. Voters say the GOP could do a better job than the Democrats on the economy, and the Republicans hold double-digit advantages on both terrorism and the budget deficit. However, the Democrats have advantages on […]

The current Congress remains on pace to be one of the least legislatively productive in recent history.

Survey Report As the current session of Congress comes to a close without significant action to address illegal immigration, neither Republicans nor Democrats are especially happy with the way their respective parties have dealt with the issue. Just 37% of Republicans and Republican leaners think the GOP is doing a good job representing their views […]

Republican and Democratic voters are split not only over their candidate preferences, but also about the importance of key issues in the election.

Midway through its second and final year, the 113th Congress remains one of the least legislatively productive in recent history.