Getting Nowhere Fast
I returned to Capitol Hill this week, just as Congress reconvened after its two-week recess. The hallways were bustling—not only with lawmakers, but with advocacy groups of all kinds, many seeking funding or support for legislation.
These groups, sometimes numbering 10 to 20 people, rarely secure face time with a Representative or Senator. More often, they meet with staff members, frequently right in the hallways. It can feel as though the real purpose of these trips to Washington is to make participants feel like they’re making a difference, rather than truly advancing their cause. In many cases, their message could be delivered far more efficiently by one or two dedicated advocates.
My first congressional visit on Tuesday evening was with a member who almost always invites me into his office when I stop by to leave a note of encouragement. This gentleman has a keen grasp of the nation’s fiscal challenges. He shared that for every dollar the federal government collects in revenue, it spends $1.47. He noted that the U.S. birthrate is flat and likely to turn negative next year.
While the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has saved $7 billion, that same amount is now spent daily on interest payments on our national debt. This trajectory, he warned, cannot continue indefinitely. Members from both parties have largely avoided confronting this reality. Without hard choices, the financial burden on future generations will be devastating.
This member tells me that oftentimes when he brings up the impending fiscal crisis representatives give a collective, "ugh" as they have heard him give this warning before.
After visiting roughly 40 offices, I headed to the Capitol to deliver more notes of encouragement to leadership ahead of the week’s first votes. As I entered the Rotunda, I came upon a group of pastors on a tour led by Representative Mary Miller and Tim Barton of WallBuilders. Tim and his father, David Barton, are dear friends and leading historians on America’s religious foundations.
It was a joy to hear Tim explain the faith backgrounds of the Declaration of Independence signers—truths that have often been distorted in modern accounts.
Before I left the group, the newest member of the House, Rep. Clay Fuller (R-GA)—who had been sworn in just that evening—walked through Statuary Hall. The pastors paused to pray for him.
On Wednesday, I focused on offices in the Longworth House Office Building and several floors of the Rayburn House Office Building. Each of the three House office buildings (Cannon, Longworth, and Rayburn) has its own distinct layout and houses a portion of the 435 Representatives’ offices, along with hearing rooms, meeting spaces, and support facilities.
A friend from California, Victor, joined me for part of the day. It was his first time back in the Capitol since childhood, and he was awed by its grandeur—experiencing aspects of the building that most Americans never see.
While I make a point to engage members from both parties, I am often received more openly by Republicans. This week, I was invited to make a brief announcement about our ongoing worship services during the Republican Study Committee’s weekly gathering in the Capitol basement. I never take such opportunities lightly—this is a room where legislation and strategy are discussed, and guests are sometimes invited to brief lawmakers on key issues.
Victor and I sat in the back and heard insightful updates from Andrea Lucas, Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Both emphasized efforts to root out fraud and waste of taxpayer dollars. House members asked pointed questions, especially of Dr. Oz, about curbing unnecessary spending. It was eye-opening for Victor to witness the inner workings of government up close.
Meanwhile, news from California highlighted a proposed state law that could restrict investigative reporters from examining government waste and abuse—an ironic contrast that’s hard to believe.
Despite the activity, progress on major legislation feels stalled. Congress has yet to reach agreement on funding for key portions of the Department of Homeland Security. The controversial Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)—specifically Section 702—faces expiration on April 20, 2026, with debates ongoing over reauthorization. The House and Senate also remain divided on the SAVE America Act.
Adding to the chaos, two House members—Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Tony Gonzales (R-TX)—resigned this week to avoid likely expulsion votes amid serious misconduct allegations.
House Democrats have floated invoking the 25th Amendment against President Trump (an action only the Cabinet can initiate), while Republicans continue to navigate internal divisions. At times, it truly feels like a circus.
Wednesday afternoon brought a bright spot: I was invited by a former Member of Congress to lunch in the exclusive Senate Dining Room, reserved for senators and their guests.
Some lawmakers linger in public service for decades; others, like my friend, serve a season and then return to the private sector. It was refreshing to catch up with this follower of Jesus and discuss his next chapter. He remains eager to serve and is prayerfully seeking God’s direction for what lies ahead.
My day ended with more office visits and notes of encouragement. It was a full, educational, and productive one.
I haven’t painted the most encouraging picture. Capitol Hill desperately needs God’s touch. Yet there are reasons for hope. Many men and women serving in the House and Senate are committed followers of Jesus. Part of my calling is to encourage them and remind them that believers like you are praying for them—that they would hear from God and do what is right. It’s uplifting to see pastors from across the nation visiting the Capitol and learning about our Biblical foundations. And it’s encouraging to encounter staff members quietly living out their faith on the Hill.
I’ll be back in Washington in two weeks for our special annual gathering, “Washington – A Man of Prayer,” honoring George Washington. Members of Congress from both parties are invited to join in prayer for our nation. Please pray for this event and continue lifting up our country.
God bless,
Steve