A new survey shows more Americans approve of Congress than at any point so far this year — but 75% still give the legislative body a thumbs-down.

The standing of Congress, which returns to work Tuesday with three days to avert a government shutdown, has improved seven percentage points from a low approval rating of 16% in June, according to the Gallup poll released Monday.

The increase has been fueled by Democrats, whose aggregate approval of the legislative branch jumped 14 percentage points from 25% in June/July to 39% in August/September.

By contrast, Republicans’ aggregate approval rating for Congress fell one percentage point, from 7% in June/July to 6% in August/September. Independents’ approval rating inched up to 22% in August/September, up four percentage points from June/July.

The increase also follows passage of the so-called Inflation Reduction Act and legislation meant to boost America’s semiconductor sector. 

Despite the improvement, Congress’ approval rating is still well below its high during the Biden administration of 36%, recorded in March 2021.

With almost six weeks to go before the midterm elections, Americans appear divided over which party they want to control Congress for the next two years.

A Washington Post/ABC News poll released Sunday found that if the election for the House were held now, 47% of registered voters would pick the Republican candidate compared to 46% who would select the Democrat. 

Republicans need to win a net of five House seats to regain control of the lower chamber for the first time since 2018.

The Gallup poll surveyed 812 adults between Sept. 1 and 16.

It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.