A common refrain is the notion that a more sociable Congress would be more effective . The 112th Congress enacted the fewest laws in four decades . Congress used to be more sociable , but there were issues then , too . `` The debt-ceiling debacle of 2011 and the recent fiscal-cliff vote showed Congress at its worst and , sadly , I do n't see the legislative gridlock and partisan posturing improving anytime soon , '' the Capitol Hill veteran said in a statement . But what about this year?
A common refrain is the notion that a more sociable Congress would be more effective . The 112th Congress enacted the fewest laws in four decades . Congress used to be more sociable , but there were issues then , too . But what about this year?