CNN Poll: Nearly seven in 10 judge Congress a failure so far – CNN
Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have earned the ire of most Americans, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS, with nearly seven in 10 (68%) judging the Republican Congress a failure so far after last month's repeal and replace plan died in the Senate.
Approval of the current Republican leaders in Congress has dropped from 39% in January to just 24% now. Seven in 10 say they disapprove of Republican leaders in the legislature. More broadly, only about a quarter of all Americans (24%) judge the Republican Congress a success so far. President Trump gets the approval of 38% of Americans in the CNN poll.
Republicans themselves are evenly split 44% to 44% on whether the GOP-led Congress has been a success or failure so far. Even three quarters of people who approve of Trump say they disapprove of Congress (76%) and a plurality (48%) says the GOP-led legislature has been a failure.
Still, only one in three Americans (34%) say they approve of Democratic leaders in Congress, while six in 10 (59%) disapprove.
Views among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents of their party's congressional leadership has plummeted over the last eight months, falling from 75% approval in January to just 39% now. Democrats' and Democratic-leaning independents' views of their party's leadership remains basically unchanged at 50% today.
And three quarters of Americans say they disapprove of how Congress is handling its job; only 20% of Americans approve, matching this year's low in January. That figure holds across party lines, with only about one in five on each side saying they approve of Congress's work so far. Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents are more positive about their leaders in Congress (50% approve) than are Republicans and GOP-leaning independents about their leaders (39% approve).
Congress left for its August recess without passing any sweeping, comprehensive legislation, failing in its attempt to pass something on health care and leaving tax reform on the docket. A vote on the debt ceiling looms this fall.
A plurality of Americans (38%) say disagreement among Republicans in Congress is the main reason for the lack of major legislation so far this term, while a quarter each blame a lack of leadership from President Trump (26%) and opposition from Democrats (25%).
Among Republicans only, a slim majority (51%) cast the blame on Democrats for the lack of new legislation vs. a third (32%) who say disagreement from Republicans is to blame. Only 8% point the blame at President Trump.
Moving forward, a majority of all Americans (56%) says Republicans should work with Democrats to make changes to current health care policy. The rest are divided: One in five say the GOP should both stop trying to repeal Obamacare completely (21%) and the same share say Republicans should keep trying to repeal it anyway (21%). Republicans themselves are split on this question: 45% say GOP leaders should continue trying to repeal Obamacare on their own, 42% that they should work with Democrats to make changes.
Only 14% of Americans now say it's very likely that Trump and the Republicans will be able to pass repeal and replace legislation, down from 18% in July before the failure of the most recent effort to repeal and replace the law. Just 28% of Republicans and 27% of Trump approvers say it's very likely. A majority (56%) say it's not likely that Republicans will be successful in passing their own health care bill, the first time that figure has topped 50% in CNN polling.
Still, just a third (33%) say Obamacare should be repealed completely, regardless of whether it is replaced. Among those who oppose repeal, more say the law needs minor changes than a major overhaul, while just 6% of all Americans say it should be left as is.
When asked about the 2010 health care law, a slim majority of Americans (51%) say they oppose the legislation vs. 42% of Americans who favor the bill. That's a return to the level of support seen in May 2015. But when the question was posed as to whether they support "Obamacare" -- the colloquial term for the Affordable Care Act -- support for the law is higher. Half favor the law vs. 46% who oppose it.
Nearly six in 10 say they favor a national health insurance program, even if it means higher taxes (58%). That's down slightly from ten years ago, before the passage of the ACA, when 64% supported the idea. Still, eight in 10 Democrats (81%) say they support the idea.
A quarter of Americans, a plurality, (24%) say health care is the most important issue facing the country today. One in seven (15%) focus on the economy, 11% say immigration, 8% say foreign policy and 8% name Donald Trump. Less than 5% name each of several other issues, like the environment, civil rights, government spending, education and other issues.
Six in 10 women back Democrats for Congress in 2018, while men back Republicans by a slim 5-point margin. Independents favor Democrats by 9 points, 46% to 37%. Democrats have been optimistic that Trump's unpopularity might spark a wave election in 2018, but the electoral map is unfriendly so far and Republicans have held seats in tight special elections.
Democrats lead a generic Congressional ballot among all Americans by 11 points, 51% to 40%. Still, midterm electorates typically lean more Republican than all Americans. Democrats lead registered voters by a similar 51% to 42%.
CNN's Jennifer Agiesta contributed to this report.
Follow this link:
CNN Poll: Nearly seven in 10 judge Congress a failure so far - CNN
- Trump pressures Republicans to pass a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown - Fox News - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Republicans on the Hook for Government Shutdown - Navigator Research - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Kansas Republicans yearn to touch the hot stove of redistricting. Well see if they get burned. - Kansas Reflector - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Republicans are making voter registration gains ahead of the midterms: From the Politics Desk - NBC News - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Trump Says Republicans Will Host a Midterm Convention Next Year - The New York Times - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Senator Murray Remarks on Republicans Refusal to Negotiate Bipartisan Legislation to Keep Government Open - Senator Patty Murray (.gov) - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Killing the American Dream: How Republicans are Closing the Door on Working and Middle-Class Students - EdTrust - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Republicans unveil a bill to fund the government through Nov. 21. Democrats call it partisan - NBC10 Philadelphia - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Republicans Have No Concern That Trump Is Using the Military to Kill Alleged Drug Smugglers - NOTUS - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Republicans Release Stopgap Funding Bill as Democrats Double Down on Opposition - Barron's - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Republicans Escalate Their War on Americas Cities - The American Prospect - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Capitol agenda: Republicans to reveal funding bill, testing Democrats in shutdown showdown - Politico - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Republicans admit its inevitable Congress will force Trump to release the Epstein files: report - The Independent - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Two House Republicans oppose Johnsons spending plan amid conservative grumbling - Politico - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Republicans are using an arcane oversight rule to permanently dismantle federal land protections - Grist.org - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Kansas Republicans say the state will lose $10.4 million this week. Will it happen? - thebeaconnews.org - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Republicans Must Stand Their Ground On Enhanced Obamacare Subsidies - Forbes - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Republicans from across Tennessee Valley gather in Huntsville to honor Charlie Kirk - 1819 News - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- California Republicans pushing to get voter ID initiative onto 2026 ballot - Los Angeles Daily News - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Penn College Republicans hosts vigil for assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk - The Daily Pennsylvanian - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Daviess County Republicans come together to Stand for Peace after Charlie Kirk assassination - 14 News - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Missouri approves Trump-supported redistricting plan that may benefit Republicans - NPR - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Republicans admit its inevitable Congress will force Trump to release the Epstein files: report - yahoo.com - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Wall Street Journal Says This Failure By Republicans Will Come Back To Haunt Them - HuffPost - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- Republicans are trying to raise the bar for voters to amend their state constitutions - NBC News - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- North Carolina Republicans blame Democrats for 'woke' policies they say contributed to Charlotte light-rail stabbing - ABC News - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- Senate Republicans trigger 'nuclear option,' changing rules to speed up Trump nominees - NBC News - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- Missouri approves Trump-supported redistricting plan that may benefit Republicans - KUOW - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- Senate Republicans turn to nuclear option to speed confirmation of Trump nominees - Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- Missouri Republicans approve redistricting that gives GOP additional seat in Congress - The Guardian - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- Cosplaying as D.C. Council, House Republicans advance dozen-plus bills targeting city they dont represent - The 51st - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- Tyler Robinsons grandmother says their entire family are Republicans: I dont know a single Democrat - Newswav - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- Republicans Champion Innovative and Affordable Housing at HUD Showcase on the National Mall - House Republicans (.gov) - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- Charlie Kirk told young Republicans to speak up. Now they run the White House. - Politico - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- Surveys Show Republicans and Democrats Are Moving Further Apart - The Wall Street Journal - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Democrats and Republicans disapprove of Medicare, Medicaid cuts, Northeastern research finds - Northeastern Global News - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- US Senate Republicans narrowly reject Schumer bid to force vote on Epstein files - Reuters - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Republicans Use Funding Bill to Dismantle Our Health Care System and Attack Public Education - House.gov - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Don't call it the Big Beautiful Bill. Kansas Republicans in on rebrand - The Topeka Capital-Journal - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Fellow Republicans, friends remember Charlie Kirk, shot and killed while speaking at university event in Utah - CBS News - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Maine Republicans urge Trump to revoke offshore wind leases, citing fishing industry risks - WGME - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Assembly Republicans announce scattered package of education bills and task forces - Wisconsin Examiner - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Charlie Kirks killing created a powder keg. Why are Republicans waving matches around? - San Francisco Chronicle - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Republicans Call on Evers to Keep Klein Hall Open - WEAU - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Missouri House Set to Vote on Map That Boosts Republicans - The New York Times - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Republicans in Congress are eager for Trump to expand his use of the military on US soil - AP News - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Will Republicans in Congress finally stand up to Trump? - The Guardian - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Why Republicans are avoiding their favorite target in Californias redistricting fight - CalMatters - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Republicans dismiss Epstein letter seemingly signed by Trump: Not his signature - KWTX - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- California Republicans energized by their opposition to Newsom's redistricting special election - Los Angeles Times - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Congressional Republicans Are Poised to Slash Millions from Student-Support Programs - The Chronicle of Higher Education - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- California Republicans say redistricting battle should play out in the state, not Congress - Times of San Diego - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Republicans move to create mandatory sentences and cash bail in DC - Straight Arrow News - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Republicans grapple with internal divide over Obamacare credits - Semafor - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Senate Republicans prepare to 'go nuclear.' What does that mean? - Deseret News - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Republicans in Congress are eager for Donald Trump to expand his use of the military on U.S. soil - Inquirer.com - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Missouri House Republicans give initial approval to initiative petition reform - ABC17NEWS - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Morning Digest: Kansas Republicans want to gerrymander. They have a few problems. - The Downballot - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- House Republicans Vote to Affirm House Oversight Committee Investigation into Epstein Files - Congressman Mike Johnson (.gov) - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- The monarchy must win over teenage patriotic republicans - The Times - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- House Republicans split with Trump team over 'very frustrating' funding fight as shutdown looms - Fox News - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Even some Republicans are growing weary of RFK Jr. but are they willing to act? - MSNBC News - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Republicans strategize about upcoming redistricting special election at annual convention - Daily Breeze - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Its bad politics: Why California Republicans are avoiding Donald Trump and muscling in behind Arnold Schwarzenegger - Politico - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Are Republicans socialist now? Trump's Intel deal overreaches on government control. | Opinion - USA Today - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Republicans move to lift drilling and mining restrictions in Western states - AP News - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Why are Republicans putting profits over veterans? - The Edwardsville Intelligencer - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Is housing the issue Democrats and Republicans in Congress can agree on? - The Mercury News - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- House Republicans Push New Coal Bills, but Critics Say the Industrys Decline Cant Be Reversed - Inside Climate News - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Exclusive / Republicans to allow batches of confirmation votes - Semafor - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- House Republicans approve new panel to uncover all the facts of January 6 attack - The Guardian - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- House Republicans Vote to Raise Energy Costs and Weaken National Security in Extreme Energy and Water Funding Bill - House.gov - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- If Walz calls special session, here's what Republicans will prioritize - CBS News - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- Republicans move to lift drilling and mining restrictions in Montana, other Western states - Montana Free Press - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- E&E News: Republicans praise bill blocking Snake River dam research - POLITICO Pro - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee: In case you missed it: Wisconsin Republicans are turning their backs on our veterans - WisPolitics - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- House Republicans form new subcommittee to probe Jan. 6 - The Washington Post - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- Dont Assume All Republicans Are The Same in Race for Greenwich BET - CT Examiner - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- We asked Florida Republicans where they stand on ending vaccine mandates - Miami Herald - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- House Republicans Slash $766M in Energy and Water Funding - The Well News - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]