History
How Lame Duck Sessions Affect Legislative Outcomes
Quick fact
Lame duck sessions have been the stage for some of the most consequential and controversial legislation in US history — from the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913 to the tax cuts of 2010 — because lawmakers who lost their seats are insulated from electoral consequences and can vote freely, for better or worse.
Why this is interesting
After election day, defeated politicians are still in office for weeks or months. What do they do with their last moments of power?