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