The 2008 global financial crisis left the US economy mired in a low-level equilibrium, characterized by sluggish job creation, persistently high long-term and youth unemployment, and growing inequalities of income, wealth, and opportunity. Many Americans started 2013 with high hopes that congressional leaders would overcome, even if only partly, the polarization and political dysfunction that had slowed recovery.
2008年全球金融危机让美国经济陷入了低水平均衡，其特征是就业创造不力、长期和年轻人失业居高不下，以及日益恶化的收入、财富和机会不平等。许多美国人带着希望进入2013年，认为国会领袖们将克服——至少部分地克服——抑制复苏的党派分化和政治瘫痪。