Beset by internal bickering and disoriented by mixed messages from the White House, the Republican-controlled Congress is struggling to move on the top items on its agenda.

It has been a rocky start to the new year, and seven weeks into the legislative session and days before Congress' first recess, there are few accomplishments or ready plans to point to, on issues from the health care law repeal, tax reform, infrastructure or other issues.

The lagging pace is due in part to Democrats' unprecedented targeting many of Trump's Cabinet nominees, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer slowing the confirmation process to a crawl.

But many Republicans are also pointing to a series of controversies from the White House—Michael Flynn's resignation as National Security Advisor, revelations about Cabinet nominees and Andy Puzder's withdrawal as Labor Secretary, and Russia's interference in the election—as distractions.