The recent government shutdown has caused a major stir in the political landscape of the United States. Amidst this chaos, a new Gallup survey has revealed a significant decline in the public’s approval of Congress. The poll, released on Wednesday, paints a grim picture with only 15 percent of respondents expressing their satisfaction with the legislature’s performance. This marks a sharp decline of 11 percentage points compared to the previous survey.
The government shutdown, which began on December 22, 2018, has now entered its fourth week, making it the longest shutdown in US history. The impasse between the Democrats and the Republicans over the funding for a border wall has left around 800,000 federal employees without pay and has disrupted the lives of millions of Americans. As the shutdown continues, the public’s patience with Congress is wearing thin, and the latest survey results are a clear indication of this.
The survey, which was conducted between January 2-10, 2019, also found that a staggering 79 percent of respondents disapprove of Congress’s performance. This is a significant increase from the previous survey, where 68 percent of respondents expressed their dissatisfaction. The remaining 6 percent of respondents chose not to offer an opinion, which is another worrying sign for Congress.
The decline in public approval of Congress is not a new phenomenon. In fact, the institution has been facing a downward trend in its approval ratings for quite some time now. However, the recent government shutdown seems to have exacerbated the situation, with the approval rating hitting an all-time low.
The survey also revealed that the decline in approval is not limited to one particular party. Both Democrats and Republicans have seen a decrease in their approval ratings, with Democrats experiencing a 9 percentage point decline and Republicans facing a 13 percentage point decline. This shows that the public is not happy with the way both parties are handling the situation.
The government shutdown has not only affected the public’s perception of Congress but has also caused significant damage to the country’s economy. The shutdown has resulted in the closure of national parks, delays in tax refunds, and disruption of services provided by various government agencies. This has caused frustration and inconvenience to the American people, and they are holding Congress responsible for this mess.
The survey results are a wake-up call for Congress to put aside their differences and work towards finding a solution to end the government shutdown. The American people have placed their trust in their elected representatives, and it is time for Congress to live up to their expectations. The public wants to see their leaders come together and find a compromise that will benefit the country as a whole.
It is also essential for Congress to understand that their actions have a direct impact on the lives of the American people. The government shutdown has caused immense hardship for federal employees and their families, who are struggling to make ends meet without a paycheck. It is time for Congress to put the interests of the people above their political agendas.
In conclusion, the latest Gallup survey has shed light on the public’s dissatisfaction with Congress’s performance. The government shutdown has only added fuel to the fire, causing a significant decline in the institution’s approval ratings. It is now up to Congress to take immediate action and find a solution to end the shutdown. The American people deserve better, and it is time for Congress to step up and do what is right for the country.
