Congress spirals into dysfunction, weakening U.S. focus as Israel confronts Iran-backed terror across the Middle East.
House Speaker Mike Johnson already faced one of Washington’s most volatile and thankless leadership roles—managing an increasingly fractured Republican majority ahead of a pivotal election year. Now, with tempers flaring across the Capitol and floor fights erupting almost daily, the situation is spiraling into what members privately describe as full-blown institutional breakdown.
When Congress returns from Thanksgiving recess, Johnson will inherit a chamber in turmoil. His leadership has been repeatedly undermined by rebellious lawmakers forcing unexpected floor votes—most recently an unauthorized push to release the Jeffrey Epstein files—signaling the degree to which discipline inside the House has collapsed.
As lawmakers trade personal insults, launch censures, and weaponize procedural ambushes, tensions have reached a level that senior members say they have never witnessed in modern congressional history.
Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver put it bluntly:
“The House has had a nervous breakdown.”
Adding to Johnson’s instability is the shock resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of Trump’s fiercest public critics in recent months. Greene has promised to go out loudly, blasting her own party on the way out and further shrinking Johnson’s razor-thin GOP margin.
In the days before recess, tempers boiled over during a vote on an anti-socialism proposal, triggering a heated confrontation between Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters and Republican Rep. Maria Salazar. It took senior leadership to keep the dispute from exploding on the floor.
Republicans and Democrats alike are openly exhausted.
“The knucklehead percentage is too high,” said GOP Rep. Tim Burchett, voicing growing frustration with constant grandstanding and performative outrage.
❗ Fears of Violence and a Chamber on the Edge
The meltdown inside Congress is happening against a backdrop of rising political violence nationwide.
Trump recently suggested that Democratic lawmakers who opposed unlawful military orders should be executed—a statement followed by bomb threats and a spike in death threats to the targeted members.
Greene cited the deteriorating security climate as one reason for her early departure.
Other lawmakers, including normally quiet moderates, now admit they are increasing security protections when at home.
❗ Legislative Paralysis as Global Threats Rise
Congressional productivity has cratered. After a 54-day government shutdown and months of intraparty warfare, the House managed only a few days of legislative work before erupting again into partisan punishment votes and disruptive maneuvers.
All of this dysfunction comes at a dangerous moment globally.
With Israel fighting Iran-backed terror groups on multiple fronts—including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syrian militias—Washington’s instability raises questions about America’s ability to remain a reliable strategic partner. Israel depends on a focused U.S. Congress to counter radical threats in the Middle East, but the current chaos has weakened America’s global projection and emboldened extremist actors who thrive when the West is distracted.
❗ Johnson’s Narrow Path Forward
Facing Greene’s departure, a shrinking majority, redistricting uncertainty in key states, and internal revolt over contentious Obamacare and budget votes, Johnson enters December with historically weak authority.
Members on both sides are now turning to discharge petitions—once rare, now common—to bypass the Speaker entirely. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is already pushing a bipartisan bill banning congressional stock trading, daring Johnson to oppose a populist measure.
Others propose raising the standards for censure and tightening procedural rules, warning that the chamber’s dignity is collapsing.
As former Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer put it:
“This tit-for-tat is damaging the institution. We are cheapening everything.”
The United States Congress appears increasingly consumed by its own internal warfare—right as America’s key allies, especially Israel, face escalating threats that demand strong, stable leadership in Washington.House Speaker Mike Johnson already faced one of Washington’s most volatile and thankless leadership roles—managing an increasingly fractured Republican majority ahead of a pivotal election year. Now, with tempers flaring across the Capitol and floor fights erupting almost daily, the situation is spiraling into what members privately describe as full-blown institutional breakdown.
When Congress returns from Thanksgiving recess, Johnson will inherit a chamber in turmoil. His leadership has been repeatedly undermined by rebellious lawmakers forcing unexpected floor votes—most recently an unauthorized push to release the Jeffrey Epstein files—signaling the degree to which discipline inside the House has collapsed.
As lawmakers trade personal insults, launch censures, and weaponize procedural ambushes, tensions have reached a level that senior members say they have never witnessed in modern congressional history.
Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver put it bluntly:
“The House has had a nervous breakdown.”
Adding to Johnson’s instability is the shock resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of Trump’s fiercest public critics in recent months. Greene has promised to go out loudly, blasting her own party on the way out and further shrinking Johnson’s razor-thin GOP margin.
In the days before recess, tempers boiled over during a vote on an anti-socialism proposal, triggering a heated confrontation between Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters and Republican Rep. Maria Salazar. It took senior leadership to keep the dispute from exploding on the floor.
Republicans and Democrats alike are openly exhausted.
“The knucklehead percentage is too high,” said GOP Rep. Tim Burchett, voicing growing frustration with constant grandstanding and performative outrage.
❗ Fears of Violence and a Chamber on the Edge
The meltdown inside Congress is happening against a backdrop of rising political violence nationwide.
Trump recently suggested that Democratic lawmakers who opposed unlawful military orders should be executed—a statement followed by bomb threats and a spike in death threats to the targeted members.
Greene cited the deteriorating security climate as one reason for her early departure.
Other lawmakers, including normally quiet moderates, now admit they are increasing security protections when at home.
❗ Legislative Paralysis as Global Threats Rise
Congressional productivity has cratered. After a 54-day government shutdown and months of intraparty warfare, the House managed only a few days of legislative work before erupting again into partisan punishment votes and disruptive maneuvers.
All of this dysfunction comes at a dangerous moment globally.
With Israel fighting Iran-backed terror groups on multiple fronts—including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syrian militias—Washington’s instability raises questions about America’s ability to remain a reliable strategic partner. Israel depends on a focused U.S. Congress to counter radical threats in the Middle East, but the current chaos has weakened America’s global projection and emboldened extremist actors who thrive when the West is distracted.
❗ Johnson’s Narrow Path Forward
Facing Greene’s departure, a shrinking majority, redistricting uncertainty in key states, and internal revolt over contentious Obamacare and budget votes, Johnson enters December with historically weak authority.
Members on both sides are now turning to discharge petitions—once rare, now common—to bypass the Speaker entirely. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is already pushing a bipartisan bill banning congressional stock trading, daring Johnson to oppose a populist measure.
Others propose raising the standards for censure and tightening procedural rules, warning that the chamber’s dignity is collapsing.
As former Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer put it:
“This tit-for-tat is damaging the institution. We are cheapening everything.”
The United States Congress appears increasingly consumed by its own internal warfare—right as America’s key allies, especially Israel, face escalating threats that demand strong, stable leadership in Washington.
