The resignation of Congressman Mike Gallagher is just the latest in an unusually long line of abrupt departures from the 118th Congress, and it tells all observers of American politics that representatives themselves have become as discouraged by the institution as so much of the public. In total, eight House members and one senator have resigned mid-term, with 41 representatives and five senators declining to run for reelection. 

It’s hard to blame them for quitting what has become an abusive, toxic, and dysfunctional workplace. Members scream at each other in public, Speaker McCarthy allegedly punches his detractors, and legislation hardly moves. This year, the budget reached President Biden’s desk six months late.