DeSantis Trashes Congress
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is taking aim at Washington once again, sharply criticizing Congress for what he described as a weak and ineffective performance in 2025.
DeSantis responded to a recent report from The Washington Post, which noted that fewer than 40 bills had been signed into law by late December. According to the report, that figure represents one of the lowest legislative outputs for the first year of a new presidency in modern history.
While some lawmakers argue that passing fewer bills can be a virtue, DeSantis said Congress’s limited activity highlights a deeper problem.
“Congress has a habit of creating more problems than it solves,” DeSantis said. “But the lack of productivity is still striking, especially when so many major issues remain unresolved.”
A Congress That Won’t Act
The Florida governor went on to argue that today’s Congress has abandoned its constitutional role and allowed unelected bureaucrats to take over responsibilities meant for lawmakers.
DeSantis cited the writings of James Madison, noting that the Founders expected Congress to be the dominant branch of government — but only if it actively defended its authority.
“That system assumed each branch would guard its powers aggressively,” DeSantis said. “Modern Congress has failed to do that and has instead handed off core responsibilities to the federal bureaucracy.”
According to DeSantis, this shift has weakened accountability and distanced lawmakers from the people they represent.
GOP Leaders Push Back
Republican leadership in Washington has pushed back on the criticism.
In a recent opinion piece published by The Wall Street Journal, House Speaker Mike Johnson described the current session as one of the most productive first years of any Congress in decades.
Johnson pointed to hundreds of bills passed, efforts to codify executive actions issued by President Donald Trump, and votes to roll back regulations implemented under President Joe Biden.
Despite narrow margins and fierce opposition from Democrats, Johnson argued Republicans have delivered on core promises — including border enforcement, inflation control, and restoring order to federal agencies.
DeSantis Still Not Impressed
DeSantis, however, remains unconvinced.
In his view, Congress has grown comfortable acting as a spectator rather than an active participant in the constitutional system.
“Congress seems content to observe rather than lead,” DeSantis said. “That’s not how the Founders designed our system, and it’s not sustainable.”
As debates over executive power, bureaucracy, and constitutional authority continue, DeSantis’s comments reflect a broader frustration shared by many conservative voters — particularly those who believe Washington has drifted far from its original purpose.
