Congress could be headed for a tipping point, irreversible decline

[Zorro]

In Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises,” a down-on-his-luck Scottish veteran of World War I is asked how he went bankrupt. “Two ways,” Mike Campbell responds. “Gradually, then suddenly.”

That famous line, written 100 years ago, has become a catchall phrase to describe institutions that are in the midst of collapse, something that slowly and steadily decays until the moment everything implodes.

And that dynamic could soon apply to Congress, according to independent experts and those that have served in the body. These critics are sounding the alarm that the institution needs a major course correction or else it will slide into a permanent state of weakness that further empowers the presidency.

Earlier this month, the Bipartisan Policy Center began publishing a report that suggests the decades-long slide on Capitol Hill is reaching a point of no return.

Under the headline of “Congress at a Crossroads,” the initial report cites the often mentioned “polarization” and “nationalization” of politics that pushes lawmakers toward trying for attention in this new media era without putting in the necessary work to pass laws.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/03/21/paul-kane-congress-tipping-point/

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Well, yes, everything is polarized, a weak party and a dominant one

Society has been narcissistically abused for 30 years and the public and pundits have yet to realize it. We are like children raised in abusive home unable to comprehend their fate, who won't understand the boundary violations for decades to come. We don't get out of this before there is a national 12-step program to help us, and who's going to pay for it?

[Skittles]

2. I think we already reached that point

the moment the entire GOP decided to line up and suck off Trump

[area51]

3. tbh, I'm not sure they haven't aready reached that tipping point.

They need to give up their salaries, healthcare, & any other perks they have.

[relayerbob]

4. This has been the goal of the GOP for decades

People seem to be acting surprised.

[SCantiGOP]

5. Give us a 55% Democratic Congress

Then you’ll see a very high-functioning agenda.

[flashman13]

6. Right now Congress is made up of legislators and performance artists. A blue wave could change the balance.

I think the institution can survive if we eliminate Republican place holders and replace them with serious people.

[NoMoreRepugs]

7. It's a Republican "thing" pure and simple.

[Fil1957]

8. They should honor the oath they swore to, and if they can't, they should get out of the way and be replaced by someone

who will.

[Dan]

9. I think that Trump is a gangster and the GOP Congress is afraid.

When Romney gave up his seat in the Senate - he had to hire bodyguards - for reasons that he never really explained (or maybe he did). But since then, the GOP has been operating based on a fear of Trump. Maybe this is something that should be investigated by some independent sources.

But given that - the GOP has failed not only their party, but their oath of Office and the American people.

If what is loss is a co-equal branch of government the legislative - what have we? The Judicial branch has the law but no power which leaves us with an Executive branch that is all powerful.

The Judicial at the lower levels are trying to do their duty within their powers but are handicapped by a corrupt SCOTUS that has failed in their duties and understanding of the 'intent' of the Constitution. The idea that one man (Trump) should be king and an artificial entity known as corporations are endowed with the rights of a person - is insane.

If that is what we are left with - then if the Democratic party wins the midterms - then the Congress should do whatever is necessary to help right the ship in the age of Trump.