Just 12 percent of Americans approve of Congress’ job performance, a new low in 40 years of polling, according to an ABC News/Washington Post poll released Tuesday.
The survey shows Congress’ worst approval rating in ABC/Post polls since 1989 and in Gallup polls dating back to 1974, with 85 percent of Americans disapproving of the legislative branch in the wake of the government shutdown.
The poll also found that for the first time since it began tracking the figure 24 years ago, more Americans disapprove of their own representatives. Traditionally Americans disapprove more of Congress as a whole, but the latest survey also found representatives underwater with 47 percent disapproval while just 43 percent approved of their performance.
The ABC/Post poll surveyed 1,002 people from Oct. 17-20 and had a margin of error of 3.5 points.
