SOUTHERN ARIZONA (SGT NEWS) - Americans are increasingly frustrated with the operation of Washinton D.C. and continue to voice their displeasure as Congressional approval ratings near the single-digits.

Only 12 percent of Americans have confidence in Congress according to the new Gallup poll. Much of the American people’s frustration stems from rising fuel costs, uncertainty within the mortgage industry and the U.S.’s military commitment in Iraq.

"It's worrisome, but I understand it: The strategy of the Republicans has been to stop anything from happening – and people think that nothing is being done to help their lives," says Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D) of Michigan.

"Not only does Congress have an approval rating below bubonic plague and head lice, I saw a recent poll that as many as 40 percent of people still believe that Congress is in Republican hands," says Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R) of Texas. "I wish we could get a little accuracy out there about who is in charge – and let those ratings fall where they may."

Editor in chief Frank Newport at Gallup believes that Americans are responding negatively to “everything we put in front of them”. But typically, Newport added, “local congressman is held in higher regard as a person than the institution they're a part of.”

"When times are very tough as they are now, people feel upset, and I don't think folks distinguish between the House of Representatives and the Senate," says Rep. Paul Hodes (D) of New Hampshire. "What they see is that Congress isn't helping or that Congress hasn't been able to get it done. [But] my constituents will see that I'm on the right side of the issues they care about."