United States Congress retains low approval rating

American public approval rating of the US Congress remains at 15 percent, as Washington faces many difficult issues in the months ahead.

A total of 1,015 adults from across the United States responded to the Gallup poll via telephone from February 7-10, 2013.
According to the results, more than eight in 10 Americans – 81 percent – disapprove Congress’ handling of affairs, which include the looming sequestration, the federal budget and spending bill, and gun control and immigration legislation.
The approval rating of Congress exactly matches the 15 percent average for all of 2012 reading, far below Congress’ 33 percent average approval rating since 1974.
Americans’ approval average of Congress has been low for several years, standing at 17 percent in 2011 and 19 percent in 2010.
Republicans and Democrats remain at loggerheads over a means to balance the budget primarily as scheduled budget cuts take effect on March 1.
The division of power in Congress, failure to compromise on key legislative issues and the public’s perception of low honesty and ethics also contribute to the long-lasting slump in Congress’ approval.