LAME DUCK
As we approach the end of 2024, Congress has a growing list of issues to address during the lame duck session. Key items include funding the government for the remainder of FY 2025 and passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In this post, we’ll focus on other critical issues that aren't getting enough attention.
After returning from summer recess in September, Congress didn’t accomplish much. The priority was to fund the government before the fiscal year ended on September 30, 2024. After a failed attempt on September 18, Congress passed the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (H.R. 9747) on September 25. President Biden signed it on September 26, avoiding a government shutdown and extending programs like the National Flood Insurance Program and cybersecurity measures.
The federal fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30, and each year, Congress must pass twelve funding bills. For FY 2024, the House passed five, and the Senate passed none, requiring a continuing resolution (CR). When Congress returns the week of November 11, they’ll work to pass all twelve bills before the CR expires on December 20. If they can’t, they’ll likely bundle them into one or more “omnibus” or “mini-bus” packages.
The lame duck session — the period between Election Day and the start of a new Congress — has become standard. Since 1994, only one Congress (1996) hasn’t held a lame duck session. Recent sessions have averaged over 50 days, with many wrapping up hours before the next Congress begins.
In light of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Congress will likely pass emergency aid for affected communities. They’ll also need to address the Farm Bill, which was temporarily extended in 2023. If not reauthorized, it will likely be extended again into 2025.
Other possible topics for the lame duck session include energy permitting reform, AI regulations, online safety for kids, data privacy, drug pricing, telehealth policies, and rail safety. While Congress could tackle some of these, it's just as likely they’ll be pushed into the next Congress in 2025, when tax reform will be a major focus due to expiring provisions from the 2017 tax overhaul.
There’s no shortage of issues for Congress to address, but time is limited. The results of the November 5 elections will heavily influence what gets prioritized. Additionally, with 52 Representatives and ten Senators retiring, the lame duck session may be impacted by transitions, as departing members and staff prepare for life after Congress.
What Congress will actually accomplish during this period remains uncertain, but the countdown to the new Congress on January 3 has already begun.
Want to stay informed on congressional developments? Consider subscribing to EPIC Policy Group’s legislative tracking service!
