Bipartisan Agreement Found in National Surveys on Key Policies for American Citizens

Major Bipartisan Support in Key Policies

In a striking revelation from recent national surveys conducted by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland, it appears that while the legislative body remains at odds, American citizens are finding common ground on various critical policy issues. The surveys, featured in a report titled "The National Common Ground", indicate that a notable majority of both Republicans and Democrats support 112 key policy proposals.

Survey Findings

The details from the surveys could significantly shift the current understanding of American political sentiments. Of the 112 policies surveyed, a stunning 88 commands the support of more than two-thirds of both Republican and Democratic respondents. This suggests that the public's opinions often align closely, even if political representatives in Congress behave as though the electorate is divided.

The issues addressed in these surveys encompass a wide array of pressing topics, including healthcare costs, affordable housing, childcare, immigration, artificial intelligence, energy and environmental policies, Social Security, taxes, and campaign finance reforms. Steven Kull, the Director of the Program for Public Consultation, emphasized that these results showcase a more unified public opinion compared to the polarized nature of Congress. "Clearly, there is far more common ground among the public than there is in Congress," Kull remarked.

Notable Policy Areas with Bipartisan Support

1. Healthcare Costs: A significant 86% of respondents believe that the federal government should set maximum drug prices based on international benchmarks, reflecting a desire for fair pricing in healthcare. This sentiment cuts across the political spectrum with 90% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats in favor.

2. Immigration: The idea of requiring employers to verify the legal status of their workers while simultaneously increasing the number of work visas received an 83% approval rate. Both parties expressed concern over the integrity of the immigration system while acknowledging the need for labor.

3. Childcare Facilities: 83% support federal funding for states to cap childcare costs for low and middle-income families, allowing parents to spend no more than 7% of their income on childcare, which represents a significant step toward family welfare initiatives.

4. Tax reforms: A strong 76% of participants favor equalizing the tax rate on capital gains with ordinary income for high earners, indicating widespread support for greater tax equity.

5. Social Security: Additionally, there is bipartisan backing (79%) for subjecting higher incomes to Social Security taxes to address funding shortfalls, reflecting concerns about the long-term viability of social safety nets.

Survey Methodology

These findings were based on surveys conducted from February 11-26, and March 11-19, 2026, with a total of over 3,700 participants drawn from diverse backgrounds across the country. The survey aimed to provide a representative sample, focusing on the sentiments of the general population regardless of political affiliation. The careful methodology involved stratification by various demographic factors including age, race, and income.

The full compilation of 112 policies with bipartisan support is available for public exploration at "The National Common Ground" and emphasizes that these positions have gained approval based on previous comprehensive surveys.

Conclusion

The upcoming challenges faced by lawmakers provide a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between party lines and work towards solutions that reflect the needs and desires of their constituents. The data points to a future where bipartisan collaboration could lead to the enactment of policies that genuinely resonate with the American populace. Kull's closing remark underscores an essential truth — popular support exists, now it remains to be seen whether Congress will act accordingly.