To give credit where credit is due, my article’s title was uttered earlier this week by the poetic purveyor of words, Talk 99.5 show host Leland Whaley. He was describing yet another fruitless week in Congress, specifically regarding the feckless efforts of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
This analogy wholly, completely and perfectly describes the lack of serious work being put forth on behalf of the American people during this unique, temporary, window of time where Republicans have control over the House, Senate and Executive branches.
We only thought former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was mediocre. In hindsight, he looks like a firebrand compared to Johnson. A handful of Republicans tried to warn a newly elected President Trump back in 2024. They aired grievances and raised concerns about how Johnson handled a variety of issues and his inability to get things done in Congress. They were asking Trump to dump Johnson. Five months into 2025, we’re seeing his present work is about as useless as the “G” in lasagna.
To be fair, Johnson isn’t the only one proving ridiculous unwillingness to stand for anything. Many congressmen don’t seem to be willing to fight for any legitimate conservative legislation even though we finally have a president willing to sign off on all the things.
Trump has issued some very valuable Executive Orders since January of this year. For these executive orders to have lasting value, they must be codified into law by Congress. You would think that Congress would feel the urgency to make certain this opportunity isn’t squandered, but you would be wrong. Twenty-six GOP senators voted AGAINST codifying DOGE foreign aid spending cuts. Yep, as useless as wearing face masks during COVID-19.
We are also learning more about this “big, beautiful bill” that Johnson is trying to ram through Congress. It’s full of many promises that will never see the light of day. For example, there is supposed to be a phaseout of the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) $1 trillion in climate credits and subsidies. But guess what? That won’t start for FOUR YEARS under a new administration. Full repeal of the Green New Deal should be a no-brainer, and it would be if Congress wasn’t as useless as the preferred gender section on a job application.
Due to Congress’s unwillingness to stop spending like drunk sailors, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has called for a vote every three months to raise the debt ceiling. Why? Because if the American people see our elected officials continuing to kick the proverbial debt disaster down the road, maybe we’ll finally be outraged enough to pressure Congress to do its job. It’s not their job to create another $20 trillion in debt over the next decade. It’s their job to rein in spending because they’re spending OUR money and flushing our children’s future down the toilet. Again, just about as useless as the United Nations. And that’s saying something.
Trump has also issued an executive order making English the official language of the United States. But obviously it was during one of Congress’s multiple vacation days this year because they posted a message on X in SPANISH. Oh, and last Tuesday, they posted, “We need to get Americans off the sidelines.” This, after a four-day weekend – right after a two-week break. Congress es tan inutil como un parcaidas de hormigon.
If you think all these “useless” analogies are a bit harsh, this might change your mind. In a year with a Republican president, a Republican Senate, and a Republican House of Representatives, Republicans have only passed SIX pieces of legislation since Inauguration Day.
For the record, I did think of one way congressional Republicans are currently useful – they serve as a bad example.
Kristin Landers is a substitute teacher and freelance writer. Landers’ previous work includes serving as Communications Director for the Alabama Policy Institute and working for Citizens Against a Legalized Lottery (CALL) to defeat legalized gambling in the state of Alabama.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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