Voter Frustration Surges as Congress Earns 58% ‘Poor’ Rating Amid Historic Shutdown

Public Confidence Plummets as Gridlock Persists in Washington

Congressional Ratings Sink

As the federal government shutdown enters its second month, frustration among voters has reached new highs. A recent Rasmussen Reports national survey reveals that just 20% of likely U.S. voters now rate Congress’s performance as “good” or “excellent,” a sharp decline from 34% in July. Meanwhile, 58% give Congress a “poor” rating, marking one of the lowest approval levels in recent history.

Impact Felt Nationwide

The prolonged shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — began October 1, following a Democrat filibuster in the Senate that halted a funding bill. According to the survey, 61% of voters say the shutdown has affected their personal lives, including more than one in four who report a major impact. The effects have varied widely, with many citing missed paychecks, delayed government services, and economic uncertainty as top concerns.

Partisan Divide Deepens

While dissatisfaction spans the political spectrum, party breakdowns show differing degrees of frustration. Only 32% of Republicans, 19% of Democrats, and 9% of independents give Congress a positive rating. Women are less likely than men to view Congress favorably or say the shutdown hasn’t affected them — highlighting both gender and partisan divides in perceptions of Washington’s performance.

Older Voters Most Disillusioned

Voters over 50 are especially likely to rate Congress poorly, though they also report fewer personal disruptions from the shutdown compared to younger voters. Across racial and income groups, the consensus is clear: Americans overwhelmingly disapprove of Congress’s handling of the crisis — and patience is wearing thin as the stalemate continues into its ninth week.