What Is 118th Congress

Overview

The 118th United States Congress is the current meeting of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government, which officially convened on January 3, 2023. It consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, representing the 100 states and 435 congressional districts, respectively. As a bicameral legislature, it holds the constitutional authority to draft, debate, and pass federal laws, confirm presidential appointments, and oversee the executive branch.

This Congress emerged from the November 2022 midterm elections, which resulted in a divided government: Republicans gained control of the House of Representatives by winning 222 seats compared to Democrats' 213, while Democrats retained a narrow majority in the Senate with 51 seats (including two independents who caucus with them) to the Republicans' 49. This split has led to significant legislative gridlock and intense negotiations on key issues such as federal budgeting, national security, and immigration policy. The balance of power is further complicated by frequent party-line voting and internal factionalism within both major parties.

The 118th Congress is historically notable for several reasons, including a protracted Speaker of the House election that required 15 rounds of voting—the longest since 1859—before Republican Kevin McCarthy was elected. It also marks a period of heightened partisanship and scrutiny over congressional ethics, border security, and U.S. foreign aid, particularly to Ukraine and Israel. Given its narrow margins, every vote carries heightened significance, making bipartisan cooperation both rare and critical for passing major legislation.

How It Works

The 118th Congress operates under the standard two-year term established by the U.S. Constitution, running from January 3, 2023, to January 3, 2025. Each chamber conducts legislative business through committees, floor debates, and voting procedures, with leadership roles such as Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader playing pivotal roles in setting agendas and managing party discipline.

• Term: The 118th Congress serves a two-year session, ending in January 2025. All House members are up for re-election in 2024, while one-third of Senate seats (Class I) are also on the ballot.
• Leadership: Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was elected Speaker in January 2023 but was removed in October 2023, making him the first Speaker in U.S. history to be ousted by a House vote. Mike Johnson (R-LA) succeeded him.
• Legislative Process: Bills must pass both chambers in identical form before being sent to the President. In the 118th Congress, partisan divisions have slowed this process, with many bills dying in committee.
• Committees: Key panels include the House Ways and Means Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee, and House Appropriations Committee, which oversee taxation, legal affairs, and federal spending, respectively.
• Filibuster: In the Senate, most legislation requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, meaning bipartisan support is often necessary—even with a Democratic majority.
• Quorum: A minimum of 218 members must be present for the House to conduct business, which has been a challenge due to internal party disputes and absences.
• Voting: The House uses electronic voting, while the Senate often uses voice or roll-call votes. Party unity scores in the 118th Congress have averaged over 90%, indicating high polarization.

Key Details and Comparisons

The table highlights how the 118th Congress differs from recent sessions in terms of legislative productivity and leadership stability. Unlike the 117th Congress, which passed major legislation under unified Democratic control, the 118th has seen far fewer landmark laws due to divided government. The 15-ballot Speaker election underscores internal GOP divisions, contrasting sharply with the smooth transitions of past decades. Additionally, while previous Congresses with strong majorities passed sweeping reforms (e.g., the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017), the 118th has struggled to pass even routine appropriations bills. This reflects a broader trend of declining legislative efficiency amid rising ideological polarization and declining public trust in Congress.

Real-World Examples

One of the most significant actions of the 118th Congress was the passage of a $95 billion aid package in April 2024, which included $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $9 billion for humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the Indo-Pacific. This bill followed months of Republican resistance, particularly from hardline conservatives who demanded border security reforms in exchange. The final compromise included provisions allowing the Department of Homeland Security to deploy National Guard troops and expedite deportations, marking a rare bipartisan breakthrough.

Another notable example is the failure of the Laken Riley Act to pass in its initial form, which sought to strengthen immigration enforcement. While popular with Republicans, the bill stalled due to Democratic opposition over civil liberties concerns. These dynamics illustrate how narrow margins and ideological divides shape legislative outcomes. The Congress also launched high-profile investigations, including into the Biden family and the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, further fueling partisan tensions.

1. Passage of $95 billion foreign aid package (April 2024)
2. Removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October 2023
3. Introduction of the America First Act (border security bill)
4. Senate confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (though in 117th, relevant context)
5. Investigation into the January 6 Capitol attack continuation

Why It Matters

The 118th Congress plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. policy during a period of global instability, economic uncertainty, and deep political polarization. Its decisions affect everything from national defense and immigration to technology regulation and climate policy. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, the legislative record of this Congress will influence voter perceptions and campaign narratives.

• Impact: Every piece of legislation passed—or blocked—has real consequences for Americans, from funding for healthcare to disaster relief and student loans.
• Precedent: The removal of a sitting Speaker sets a new precedent for congressional accountability and internal party power struggles.
• Global Influence: U.S. aid decisions impact international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war.
• Public Trust: Low approval ratings (around 16% in early 2024) reflect public frustration with congressional dysfunction.
• Legislative Innovation: Despite gridlock, the Congress advanced bills on AI governance, semiconductor manufacturing, and election security.
• Historical Significance: It is the first Congress since the 1920s to require multiple ballots to elect a Speaker, marking a shift in legislative norms.

In conclusion, the 118th Congress stands as a pivotal chapter in American legislative history. Its narrow margins, internal conflicts, and high-stakes decisions underscore the challenges of governance in a deeply divided era. Whether it is remembered for overcoming division or succumbing to it will depend on its ability to pass meaningful legislation before the 2025 transition.