What Is a Lame Duck?

In Oregon, duck talk is serious business. So what exactly is a lame-duck session of Congress?

The expression dates back, according to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), to 18th Century Britain, referring to bankrupt businessmen, impaired "like a game bird injured by a shot."

The term evolved to include elected officials who announced they wouldn't or couldn't seek re-election. Lame-duck also refers to a session of Congress held after an election, but before the start of a new Congress. Many of the House and Senate members, include those who lost re-election bids, are considered lame ducks.

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