New polling suggests that approval ratings for Washington lawmakers have hit rock bottom. This poll of 1,000 likely voters reveals that only 9% give Congress a good or excellent rating. This is the first time that we can recall when Congress’ approval ratings have dipped into single digits.

Granted it’s a national pastime to dislike politicians, and surely there are scores of Washington lawmakers who make a daily difference in the lives of those who elected them. But divided government, full-time reelection campaigning and lobbyist stranglehold on the legislative process have all caused a major gridlock malaise. Republicans and Democrats both deserve a share of the blame. Blinded by partisanship and handicapped by gridlock, the lack of effective legislating at a time of record gas prices and a massive economic downturn means that Congress is about as popular as New Coke.

Despite assurances that it would be different this time (heard that one before?), as of July 4th the 110th Congress has passed 260 laws—the lowest over the last three decades. This breaks the previous record low of 293 for the 104th Congress, which was the first after the 1994 “ Republican Revolution ”. Of the 260 public laws passed in the 110th, 74 are for naming post offices and only about 148 could be called ‘substantive’ laws, a term used loosely considering that this substantive legislation includes a law requiring the flag be flown on Father’s Day. And 8 of the 148 were “must pass” appropriations bills.

These numbers don’t include non-binding legislative resolutions that the Senate or the House took time to consider and then passed. Here are some of our favorites from among the resolutions: 1) Recognizing soil as an essential natural resource, and soils professionals as playing a critical role in managing our Nation's soil resources; 2) Designating July 2007 as “National Watermelon Month”; 3) Congratulating the men's volleyball team of the University of California, Irvine, for winning the 2007 NCAA Division I Men's Volleyball National Championship; 4) Recognizing the 70th anniversary of the Idaho Potato Commission and designating May 2007 as “Idaho Potato Month”; and 5) Expressing support for designation of June 30 as “National Corvette Day”.

Both presidential candidates pushed resolutions of their own. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) worked to successfully pass a resolution to congratulate the Chicago White Sox on winning the 2005 World Series Championship. Not to be outdone, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) co-sponsored and succeeded in passing a resolution congratulating the University of Arizona Wildcats for winning the 2007 NCAA Division I Softball Championship. Indeed, some of the more important matters of our time.

Gridlock and partisanship leave lawmakers not able to get anything done. Members of Congress want to look like they are doing the peoples’ business, rather than twiddling their thumbs. Unable to pass major legislation that would address the energy or housing crises, they resort to resolutions supporting things like “National Corvette Day”.

Washington is staring at some major issues that need immediate attention: a looming if not on-going recession, the global war on terror, and a growing fiscal crisis. In the face of such issues, Congress needs to put aside legislation that renames post offices and other superfluous maneuvering and focus on important matters that can make a real difference in the lives of Americans.