The 118th Congress, elected in 2022, has been marked by significant turmoil and political drama, according to a new book titled Mad House by Annie Karni and Luke Broadwater, both seasoned reporters for The New York Times. This Congress, serving from January 2023 to January 2025, is described as the first to be fully under the influence of MAGA politics, embracing the extreme tactics associated with former President Donald Trump.
During its two-year session, the House of Representatives passed only 27 bills that became law, the lowest number recorded since the Great Depression. This stark statistic highlights the dysfunction that has characterized this Congress, as partisan conflicts and power struggles have overshadowed legislative work.
The book recounts the chaotic election of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who took 15 rounds of voting to secure his position, only to be ousted just ten months later. The authors also discuss a notable confrontation between Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Jasmine Crockett, which exemplifies the rising tensions within the House.
The 118th Congress faced a narrow Republican majority, where a small group of far-right members gained disproportionate influence. Karni explains that with such a slim margin, any member could effectively hold the balance of power, leading to a situation where a faction of 20 members could dictate the House’s actions—or lack thereof.
Broadwater points out that current Speaker Mike Johnson’s position is largely due to Trump’s endorsement. He notes that this dynamic has led Congress to operate more like a subordinate branch rather than an equal partner in government oversight. Looking forward, Broadwater predicts continued dysfunction, as the aggressive style of politics seems to resonate with voters, particularly among the right.
The book also touches on the personal toll of serving in Congress, with many members struggling to balance their responsibilities with family life, often opting to sleep in their offices to save on housing costs in Washington, D.C. This practice, while not new, has become more common due to the high cost of living and the intense demands of the job.
Karni and Broadwater highlight the burnout experienced by members of Congress, who face constant threats and the burden of frequent travel. The pressures of the job, compounded by a lack of legislative progress, have led some to question whether the sacrifices are worth it.
As the authors reflect on the current political climate, they emphasize that the characters and events from the 118th Congress are shaping the future of American politics, indicating a shift toward a more combative and polarized environment.