The U.S. government once again faces a shutdown crisis, with Congress unable to pass a complete federal budget. In a recent episode of the AZ Political Podcast, the discussion turned to the last time America saw a full budget approval—back in 1997. The guest, Matt Salmon, a former Arizona Congressman, shared valuable insights from that historic period.
Revisiting 1997: A Model of Bipartisanship
Unlike today’s divided politics, the 1997 Congress achieved something remarkable. The House and Senate, both controlled by Republicans, managed to pass a federal budget that was signed into law by Democratic President Bill Clinton. This act of cooperation happened three consecutive years, proving that bipartisanship was once achievable even amid political differences.
What Changed When Salmon Returned
When Matt Salmon re-entered Congress in 2013, he found a drastically different Washington. The spirit of cooperation had disappeared, replaced by deep polarization and gridlock. He noted that the current state of politics is far worse than before, with parties unwilling to compromise or communicate effectively.
The Death of Bipartisanship
According to Salmon, bipartisanship is now on life support. The division has grown so severe that it feels almost impossible to revive cooperation between parties. He fears that political CPR might not be enough to heal a system where both sides have become entrenched in extremism.
The Role of Social Media in Political Polarization
A significant factor fueling this divide is social media. Platforms often reward extreme opinions while discouraging civil discourse or understanding opposing perspectives. This constant amplification of division has made politicians and voters more rigid, deepening America’s partisan wounds.
The Need for a Return to Collaboration
Despite the bleak outlook, Salmon’s reflections remind us that the U.S. government once worked through differences to achieve shared goals. Rebuilding that spirit of unity and compromise is essential if America wants to escape the cycle of shutdowns and dysfunction. The 1997 budget success stands as proof that bipartisanship isn’t impossible—it just needs leaders willing to put country above party.
The current federal shutdown highlights a growing failure of political cooperation in Washington. Revisiting the 1997 model of bipartisanship offers a powerful lesson: real progress only happens when lawmakers choose collaboration over conflict. Without a renewed commitment to working together, America risks being stuck in an endless loop of political paralysis and government shutdowns.
