lame-duck session

[ leym-duhk ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

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

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

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

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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