Jim Jordan, the Ohio congressman and House Republican leader, is no stranger to politics or public service. However, when it comes to his legislative record, it is remarkably thin.
Jordan has served in the House of Representatives since 2007, and has been reelected every two years after, yet he has only been able to successfully pass into law one single bill during his twelve year tenure. The measure, which he sponsored in 2017, authorized the National Park Service to study a region around Lake Erie for possible addition to the National Trails System.
In fact, the non-partisan website, Govtrack.us, does not even have a list of introduced bills or any kind of legislative accomplishments associated with Jordan’s name. Rather, it is noted that the congressman has not sponsored any joint resolutions or resolutions of any kind. This lack of legislative activity is extremely unusual for a congressman who has been elected to serve 12 consecutive terms.
Jordan’s political career is certainly made up of much more than just legislation, however. He has become a leader of the conservative Freedom Caucus in the House and has often been a vocal advocate for the Donald Trump administration’s agenda. He is also a frequent commentator on television and other media outlets, often touting his own conservative stances or attacking the policies of his opponents.
Although Jordan’s legislative record is far from impressive, his influence extends far beyond the Capitol Hill. It is clear from his active presence in the media and on the political stage that he is playing an integral role in the Republican Party, despite not having achieved any major legislative accomplishments. As a long standing representative of the deep red state of Ohio, this may be the legacy that Jim Jordan leaves on his departure from Congress.
