Late Empire Chronicles: The Myth of Congressional Gridlock and the Role of Political Theater

Includes Bills from 2019 to 2024

Despite the nonstop headlines about political gridlock and culture wars, a closer look at federal legislative voting in the United States tells a different story. Contrary to popular belief, most U.S. lawmakers quietly agree on most legislative matters, especially defense spending and large-scale federal funding. Meanwhile, hot-button social issues dominate the airwaves but often have little effect on actual federal policy. These cultural debates are frequently more about political theater than substantive lawmaking.
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The legislative apparatus of the federal government continues to serve the interests of its funding masters, the uber-wealthy, using wedge issues as political theater to distract and divide, functionally obscuring the truth. Substantive issues such as tax reform, wealth taxes, rational defense expenditures, civil rights, healthcare, reproductive rights, and enhancement of living standards for Americans go lost in the fog of divisive culture wars as political theater.  

2023 Defense Appropriations Act Depicts Bipartisan Support for Defense Funding

Bipartisan Unity in Defense Spending

One of the most striking examples of bipartisan agreement is in defense funding. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is passed annually and consistently receives strong support from both parties. In 2023, the NDAA, authorizing $886 billion in defense expenditures, passed the Senate with a vote of 86–11 and the House with 310–118.

This trend has been consistent for decades. Strategic military interests, political incentives, and the economic benefits of defense contracts—which are spread across nearly every U.S. state—help ensure that few lawmakers are willing to oppose military funding.

"People would be shocked to know how much agreement there really is in Congress. What makes the headlines is rarely what makes the law." Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI), NPR, 2022

Even contentious areas, such as foreign military aid, often garner bipartisan support. For instance, military assistance to Ukraine and Israel has passed with strong majorities in both chambers, reflecting a unified stance on international defense alliances.

Voting Data Reveals Quiet Consensus

According to data from the Congressional Research Service, over 80% of the legislation passed in recent congressional sessions had some bipartisan backing. Many of these bills address infrastructure, veterans' services, cybersecurity, and pandemic preparedness. While these topics rarely generate headlines, they are where most legislative action occurs.

Culture Wars as Political Theater

In contrast, social issues such as transgender rights, school book bans, drag shows, and critical race theory dominate political discourse—yet have resulted in relatively little federal legislation. These debates are handled mainly at the state level and serve as ideological battlegrounds for politicians seeking media attention or fundraising opportunities.

"Social issues dominate the news cycle because they're emotionally charged and polarizing, but in reality, most of our time is spent working on bipartisan legislation that doesn't make for good TV." Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Yale University Panel, 2023

The 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade is one of the few exceptions, igniting nationwide protests and policy shifts. Still, the bulk of the resulting legislation—whether to expand or restrict abortion access—has played out in state legislatures. Meanwhile, attempts at federal abortion laws have either stalled or failed.

Topics like gender-affirming care or educational content lead to political headlines but result in little federal legislative change. These issues function as a political spectacle, allowing lawmakers to signal values and energize their base without necessarily impacting national policy.

The Disconnect Between Media and Policy

This creates a significant disconnect between what voters see in the media and what is happening in Congress. Contentious hearings, viral soundbites, and social media rants capture public attention, but the bulk of legislative progress occurs with minimal fanfare and significant cross-party collaboration.

Understanding this divide can help Americans better evaluate their elected representatives' actions and how federal priorities are set. Defense spending, infrastructure, and federal operations remain central to legislative activity. Meanwhile, the high-profile cultural battles often distract from these core functions.

Conclusion: Where the Real Work Gets Done
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While American politics often appears divided, the government machinery still turns—primarily powered by bipartisan cooperation. Defense budgets, infrastructure bills, and federal administrative functions typically receive broad support. The more visible, heated debates around social and cultural issues may dominate public conversation but seldom lead to lasting federal policy.