If ’pro’ is the opposite of ’con’ what is the opposite of ’progress’?

Harvey’s line is a compact pun that doubles as social commentary. By treating “pro” and “con” as simple opposites, it invites the listener to apply the same logic to “progress,” teasing out the absurd-sounding “congress.” The joke lands because Congress is popularly associated with obstruction, partisanship, and slow-moving bureaucracy—traits that can feel like the opposite of forward motion. Beyond the wordplay, the quip reflects a mid‑to‑late 20th‑century strain of American political humor: skepticism toward federal institutions and impatience with legislative gridlock, delivered in an accessible, folksy style typical of Harvey’s broadcasting persona.

If “pro” is the opposite of “con,” what is the opposite of “progress”? (Answer: Congress.)