The first rule of holes is, if you find yourself in one, quit digging. New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman embellished on that proverb a few years back when he wrote: When you find yourself in three holes, bring a lot of shovels.

Friedman was writing in the context of America’s growing number of global economic competitors. But his advice can also apply to the state of Congress today. The three holes it has fallen into involve not living up to its basic constitutional roles of first exercising the powers of the purse; second making all laws necessary and proper to maintain the union; and third checking and balancing the other branches against abusing their authorities.

Congress is not in good standing with the American people on any of these fronts. Its job approval ratings, according to Gallup, have been running in the high-teens to mid-20 percent ranges for the last several years.

On the fiscal front, Congress has still not finalized its 2025 spending numbers, half-way through the fiscal year, limping along instead on short-term continuing appropriations resolutions. All these continuing resolution battles have been driven by the dire prospect of government shutdowns. With each new........

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