lame-duck session

[ leym-duhk ]

noun

1. (formerly) the December to March session of those members of the U.S. Congress who were defeated for reelection the previous November.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lame-duck session¹

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

The $900 billion package passed in the lame-duck session in December for months seemed highly unlikely.

From Vox

The post-election lame-duck session is the last chance to wrap up the unfinished work this year, a goal of all involved, though they have been slow until now to forge the often-tricky compromises required to pull the measure together.

From Fortune

In the short term, any hopes for an active lame-duck session will rest on the results of the election, King said.

From The Daily Beast

The idea of a productive lame-duck session after the contentious election has been erased.

From The Daily Beast

President Obama said that the lame-duck session of the 111th Congress proves that "we're not doomed to endless gridlock."

From The Daily Beast