The 113th Congress ended with lawmakers receiving one of the lowest job approval ratings. Political battles and partisan bickering and gridlock created a dismal 2014 session. WBFO's Eileen Buckley talked to one local congressman about moving beyond the wall that divides lawmakers.
"Congress is highly dysfunctional right now. There's no excuse for it," said Western New York Rep. Brian Higgins in a WBFO News interview.
"Congress is highly dysfunctional right now. There's no excuse for it," said Western New York Congressman Brian Higgins in a WBFO News interview.
When the democrat returns to Capitol Hill next week Higgins will be in the minority. Republicans now have control of 24 states. Democrats have just seven.
Congress returns with the final two years of the presidency of Barack Obama.
"Congress needs to work with the President toward moving the Nation's interests forward. I think you have a divided government and everyone bears the responsibility for moving things forward. Hopefully this will mark a new era of progress towards advancing the goals of this nation and growing this economy," said Higgins.
But for Buffalo, Higgns notes he is pleased with great progress and economic development growth, especially with the large boom along the city's waterfront.
"Those were all spurred, in large part, by federal investments that are manifesting themselves now," said Higgins. "I'm hopeful that Congress will see the wisdom of continuing to make those investments, because they really produce the kinds of results that I think everybody is supportive of regardless of political persuasion."
The 114th Congress formally convenes Tuesday, January 6.
"Our form of government was established on the basis of compromise You have 535 members of Congress, everyone can't have their own way," noted Higgins.
