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The 118th Congress, elected in 2022, officially began its term in January 2023 and will continue until January 2025.
A new book titled Mad House, authored by Annie Karni and Luke Broadwater of The New York Times, sheds light on the lesser-known turmoil within Capitol Hill. The writers focus on the dynamics of the 118th Congress, which they characterize as heavily influenced by MAGA philosophy, fundamentally aligning with the provocative nature of Trumpism. Notably, during its two-year tenure, the House managed to pass merely 27 bills into law, marking the lowest legislative output since the Great Depression.
The book details the dramatic ascension and subsequent removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from the speakership, which took an unprecedented 15 rounds of voting. It also accounts for a memorable altercation between Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) during a House committee oversight meeting that took place in the evening, a time Karni notes can heighten tensions during legislative discussions.
According to Karni and Broadwater, the Republican majority in the 118th Congress was razor-thin, with numerous party members often resisting directives from leadership. Karni elaborates, “With such a slim majority, any single member could exert significant influence on the voting process. In this case, a group of 20 far-right members wielded considerable power over the House’s operations, which often led to its dysfunction.”
Broadwater emphasizes that the current Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson (R-La.), secured his position largely due to President Trump’s backing. He argues that this relationship has significant implications, stating that the House has opted to remain complicit rather than assert its authority as a co-equal branch of government, effectively subordinating itself to Trump’s agenda. He anticipates that the Congress will continue to experience dysfunction rather than improvement, suggesting that voters appear to appreciate the confrontational nature of today’s politics.
Broadwater observes, “On the right, being the most vocal and aggressive is a strategic move for winning primaries. The Democratic Party is feeling the pressure to adopt a more combative stance, breaking away from traditional decorum.” Karni concurs, reflecting that the characters and events shaped by the 118th Congress provide crucial insight into contemporary political dynamics.
Interview Highlights
On members of Congress sometimes sleeping in their offices instead of renting an apartment in Washington, D.C.
Karni: Many members find it impractical to maintain two residences, and the trend of sleeping in offices has historical roots. Although it waned during the COVID pandemic and post-MeToo movement due to privacy concerns, financial pressures still push some lawmakers to do it today.
Broadwater: The high cost of living in D.C., coupled with responsibilities back home, leads to significant financial strain for many Congress members. While some members are financially comfortable, others, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, face challenges managing an affordable housing situation.
On burnout among members of Congress
Karni: The travel demands are grueling, requiring members to frequently cross the country, which can lead to severe exhaustion. The pressure escalates with the constant threat of violence many legislators face without adequate protection. This hostile environment, combined with the dysfunction of the legislative process, prompts some to question whether the sacrifices are even worthwhile.
On the Left criticizing Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for his response to the Trump administration
Karni: Chuck Schumer has become a focal point of frustration within the Democratic Party, particularly after he sided with Republicans to prevent a government shutdown. His decision has drawn criticism from progressives who feel it undermines their efforts to combat Trump-era policies. Schumer defends his stance by arguing that a shutdown would have enabled Trump to manipulate essential programs.
On the relationship between Republicans in the current Congress and Elon Musk’s DOGE task force
Broadwater: There’s a visible embrace of Elon Musk’s initiatives among Republican members, with each chamber forming its own DOGE caucus. Musk’s engagement with lawmakers, including providing his personal contact information, indicates an effort to build rapport. However, Broadwater points out that Musk’s popularity lags behind Trump’s, which may make him a more vulnerable target for Democrats focused on challenging wealth and privilege in the political landscape.
Sam Briger and Susan Nyakundi produced and edited this interview for broadcast. Bridget Bentz, Molly Seavy-Nesper, and Meghan Sullivan adapted it for the web.
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