U.S. Congress

“Approval of Congress is at 17%, with 37% of Republicans but only 12% of independents and 6% of Democrats approving of the Republican-led legislative branch. Congressional approval is statistically similar to November’s 14% and only slightly better than the historical low of 9% in November 2013.” - Gallup

“Legislators have responded to the whirlwind of activity in the first half-year of Donald Trump’s second presidential administration with an overwhelming sense of passivity.” - L&L

“On average, Congress will continue to be much more religious than the nation as a whole, with around 95 percent of lawmakers across both the Senate and House identifying with a religious faith.” - Roll Call

Related:

“Johnson, a conservative Baptist who has served in Congress since 2017, vowed to ‘ensure the House delivers results and inspires change for the American people’ and to ‘restore trust in this body.’” - CPost

Related…

“Sixty-three percent of U.S. adults currently agree with the statement that the Republican and Democratic parties do ‘such a poor job’ of representing the American people that ‘a third major party is needed.’” - Gallup

“For a meeting meant to explore the future direction of AI and the ethics necessary to guide it, nearly everyone in that room had a vested financial interest in its continued growth and expansion.” - Breakpoint

BPNews looks at Pew’s Faith on the Hill: The religious composition of the 118th Congress

“Congress included pro-life and conscience protections in a massive omnibus spending bill that gained final approval Friday (Dec. 23).” - BPNews

“The amended version approved by the Senate says nothing in the bill ‘shall be construed to diminish or abrogate a religious liberty or conscience protection’… also says nonprofit organizations, including churches, will not be required to provide services for a wedding or its celebration.” - C.Index

“Section 6(b) of RMA recognizes that religious nonprofits and their personnel have a statutory right to decline any involvement with a marriage solemnization or celebration—including a same-sex one. ” - CToday