What is a "lame duck session?"

When Congress (or either chamber) reconvenes in an even-numbered year following the November general elections to consider various items of business. Some lawmakers who return for this session will not be in the next Congress. Hence, they are informally called "lame duck" Members participating in a "lame duck" session. In the realm of politics, a "lame duck" (one who has not been re-elected for the next term of office) has lost both stature and power, or is perceived to have lost them. He may therefore have a more difficult time geting his proposals considered than before or may be viewed as one who no longer cares about an outcome because he's on his way out anyway.