Lame Duck Sessions Since 1933 
114th (2016)Nov 15-17Nov 14-17Iran sanctions
Nov 18-25Nov 18-25Pro forma sessions
Nov 28-Dec 9Nov 29-Dec 8Medical research and development, defense authorization, and appropriations
Dec 13-Jan 3Dec 12-Jan 3Pro forma sessions
113th (2014)Nov 12-20, Dec 1-16Nov 12-20, Dec 1-12Defense authorization, appropriations, nominations, and extension of tax cuts
112th (2012)Nov 6, 9Nov 6, 9Pro forma session
Nov 13-16, Nov 26-Jan 2Nov 13-16, Nov 27-Jan 3Defense authorization, FISA extension, disaster appropriations, extension of tax cuts, and delay of budget sequestration
111th (2010)Nov 4-12--Pro forma sessions
Nov 15-19, Nov 29-Dec 22Nov 15-18, Nov 29-Dec 22Judge Porteous impeachment, New START treaty, appropriations, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' and extension of tax cuts
110th (2008)Nov 17-20, Dec 8-11Nov 19-20, Dec 9-10Economic issues
109th (2006)Nov 13-16, Dec 4-8Nov 13-15, Dec 5-8Appropriations
108th (2004)Nov 16-24Nov 16-24Appropriations
Dec 7, 8Dec 6, 7Intelligence Reform
107th (2002)Nov 7, 8Nov 7, 8Pro forma session
Nov 12-20Nov 12-22Department of Homeland Security and appropriations
106th (2000)Nov 14, Dec 5-15Nov 13-14, Dec 4-15Appropriations and other legislation
105th (1998)did not meetDec 17-19Clinton impeachment
103rd (1994)Nov 30, Dec 1Nov 29General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
97th (1982)Nov 29-Dec 23Nov 29-Dec 21Appropriations and budget issues
96th (1980)Nov 12-25, Dec 1-16Nov 12-24, Dec 1-16Budget, appropriations, and domestic legislation
93rd (1974)Nov 18-26, Dec 2-20Nov 18-26, Dec 2-20Legislation delayed by Watergate investigation
91st (1970-71)Nov 16-Jan 2Nov 16-Jan 2Domestic legislation and foreign aid
83rd (1954)Nov 8-17, Nov 29-Dec 2did not meetCensure of Senator Joseph McCarthy
81st (1950-51)Nov 27-Dec 22Nov 27-Dec 22Korean War
Dec 26, 29--Pro forma session
Jan 2Dec 26-Jan 2Korean War
80th (1948)Dec 31Dec 31Formalities to conclude business
78th (1944)Nov 14-Dec 19Nov 14-Dec 19World War II and domestic legislation
77th (1942)Nov 5-Dec 16Nov 5-Dec 16World War II
76th (1940-41)Nov 7-Jan 3Nov 7-Jan 2Threat of war in Europe