Congressional record of underachievement
The 113th Congress saw the second-fewest new laws enacted — 296 — since at least the 1940s, when formal records began to be collected. The 112th Congress holds the record with 283. Below is a historical look at the number of bills passed separately by the House or Senate, days spent in session, and the total number of laws enacted after both chambers agreed on legislation and sent it to the president for his signature:
Graphics reporting by Michael A. Memoli
Sources: White House, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate
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