you shouldn't have to wait till your team controls the government for something to be done

That's not it. It only happened because republicans stopped governing and started opposing. They've literally admitted that. They just saw whatever democrats wanted and voted against. Then they used that as a bargaining chip. They were like "if you want us to vote yes, give our sponsors money." And dems had to basically buy their votes in a distorted way.

If the two parties cared about the country it wouldn't be a two-party problem. There is no way a party that consistently votes against popular legislation and for unpopular legislation has the best interests of people in mind.