Although bipartisan efforts in Congress may appear uncommon lately, historical records reveal many cases where Democrats and Republicans joined forces to enact major laws.

Advancing the Health Care Act and Housing Care Act is vital for preserving the middle class, and I believe it's achievable.

Here, I've assembled 10 notable examples from various periods, emphasizing key legislation that demanded cross-party collaboration to succeed. These illustrate times when bipartisanship yielded significant results.

The Great Compromise (1787): At the Constitutional Convention (which established Congress's framework), representatives from large and small states agreed on Roger Sherman's plan for a two-chamber legislature: population-based seats in the House and equal state votes in the Senate. This essential agreement facilitated the formation of the U.S. Congress.

Social Security Act (1935): During President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration, Congress approved this measure to offer aid for retirees, the jobless, and other at-risk populations. It received backing from both parties, creating a fundamental safety net during the Great Depression.

Civil Rights Act (1964): This pivotal law abolished segregation in public spaces and outlawed job discrimination. In the Senate, 27 Republicans allied with 44 Democrats to break a filibuster by Southern Democrats, resulting in its approval through robust bipartisan majorities.

Medicare and Medicaid Act (1965): As part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society initiative, this created health coverage for seniors (Medicare) and the poor (Medicaid). Republicans contributed essential votes in Congress, enabling passage despite early resistance.

Endangered Species Act (1973): Backed by Democrats such as John Dingell and Harrison Williams under Republican President Richard Nixon, this environmental statute safeguarded endangered wildlife and habitats. It sailed through both houses with strong bipartisan consensus.

Tax Reform Act (1986): Under Republican President Ronald Reagan and a split Congress, this streamlined the tax system, reduced rates, and eliminated deductions. Cross-party talks between Democrats and Republicans secured its enactment.

Americans with Disabilities Act (1990): This rights-focused law barred discrimination against disabled individuals in jobs, public transit, and facilities. Promoted by bipartisan leaders like Republican Bob Dole and Democrat George Mitchell, it gained widespread approval.

No Child Left Behind Act (2001): This educational overhaul stressed accountability and standardized testing. Drafted by Republicans like John Boehner and Democrats like George Miller, with input from Ted Kennedy, it was enacted under Republican President George W. Bush with solid bipartisan support.

First Step Act (2018): This reform to criminal justice lessened mandatory sentences for nonviolent crimes and enhanced prison environments. Driven by cross-party groups, it cleared a polarized Congress and was signed by President Donald Trump.

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021): This $1 trillion package supported highways, bridges, internet access, and green energy efforts. Crafted by a bipartisan Senate team, it passed with votes from 19 Republicans in the Senate and 13 in the House amid Democratic control.

These cases underscore how bipartisanship frequently arises in emergencies, around common goals like rights or economic security, or via interpersonal ties among legislators. Though cooperation isn't constant in every Congress, these repeated successes prove it's occurred throughout history. Hopefully The Health Care Act (2025) and the Housing Care Act (2025) will make it a dozen times with the 119th Congress.