113th Congress departs with dismal approval ratings

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The 113th Congress is concluding business this week and leaving Washington with dismal approval ratings and a low productivity record.

Members closed out the year with a 15 percent yearly average for their approval rating, making it nearly the lowest on record. It is slightly up from last year's record low of 14 percent. At one point in 2013, the approval rating tanked to 9 percent following the government shutdown and the fiscal cliff negotiations.

Although 2014 saw a slight jump in approval, this Congress was the least productive, having passed just over 200 laws. Frustrated by the lack of movement and the constant in-fighting and partisanship, the American public gave Congress a resounding "F."

Congress has faced a tough run with approval ratings averaging less than 20 percent the last five years. When President Barack Obama took office in 2008, they were averaging around 30 percent. They peaked around 60 percent in 2001 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

When the 114th Congress enters its first session in January, it will be controlled by the Republican party which has already vowed to fight the White House on contentious issues including healthcare and immigration. With President Obama waiting to meet the new Congress ready to veto, it spells a grim future for productivity and approval ratings.