“We passed 27 bills last year, which is the fewest since the Depression.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congress just wrapped up its least productive year since the Great Depression, passing just 27 bills that were signed into law. Of those 27, one law created a commemorative coin and two renamed medical centers. What You Need To Know - In 2023, Congress passed the fewest bills that were signed into law than any year since 1931 - Democrats and Republicans in both chambers blamed each other for the lack of legislation passed - Prospects remain dim for more legislation next year amid partisanship, intraparty fighting and politics of an election year The term "Do Nothing Congress" was famously coined by former President Harry S. Truman in 1948. That year, however, Congress passed 511 bills that were signed into law. For comparison, the last 10 Congresses averaged 391 bills signed into law per term.