Republicans spent more time in office this year but got less votes . : 148 ( '12 ) , 90 ( '11 ) , 258 ( '10 ) and 125 ( '09 ) . Some Democrats argue that it 's number of bad bills stopped that shows effectiveness . ` ` It 's been getting worse and worse every year , '' a Democrat says . Long - time Democrat says , ` ` I think we ' ve been working less ''
Republicans spent more time in office this year but got less votes . Some Democrats argue that it 's number of bad bills stopped that shows effectiveness . ` ` It 's been getting worse and worse every year , '' a Democrat says . Long - time Democrat says , ` ` I think we ' ve been working less ''