The house n senate are just as powerful as the President. Congress could have done a bunch and same in the Senate. In fact there's a whole process where Congress can go around the President....yes I've read the Constitution, yes I understand it.
Remember that old cartoon about how a bill becomes a law?? It still applies today. Congress can write bills and get them passed in spite of the President.
Like what?! The House passed budgets and oodles of bills! Only to have Harry file 13 them. He was Obama's firewall, and somehow they and the media blamed the repubs in congress! What the hell you been watching man?