The year Congress hit rock bottom

[Commentary] Don’t be fooled by the frantic final days. 2013 and 2014 were marked by some of the worst moments in recent congressional history: long periods of legislative stalemate, a 16-day government shutdown, threats to default on the nation’s debt, major changes to the Senate’s hallowed rules and an endless series of partisan attacks.

When the gavel fell, it might have marked the moment when Congress hit rock bottom. The end of this session of Congress also marks a shift in the power structure and composition of Washington. The institution is at a generational crossroads. With a new Congress beginning in 2015, many top lawmakers hope that Congress can start climbing back.