Members of Congress are elected in November, but don't actually take office until the following January. When the Congress meets after the election, but before the new members are sworn in, it is called a "lame duck" session. It means their days are numbered and their powers are limited.
Sadly, lame duck sessions can result in a lot of damage. Since Members of Congress who are leaving don't have to worry about their constituents, they will sometimes vote in unpredictable ways. This year the lame duck session could pose particular dangers for pro-life, pro-family, and pro-religious liberty citizens.
Liberal Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer said back in September that he had "an extremely busy agenda" planned for the session.
One key item on Schumer's agenda is forcing a vote on the so-called "Respect for Marriage Act." This legislation is a serious threat to religious liberty. (You can read more about it in this James Dobson Family Institute public policy update.)
Democrats may also try to pass the Equality Act, which creates special rights based on "sexual orientation" and "gender identity." They may also try to bring up the Women's Health Protection Act one more time. This pro-abortion legislation would not only codify Roe v. Wade into federal law, it would also repeal hundreds of pro-life state laws. Parental notification laws, waiting periods and bans on late-term abortion would all be gone.
In addition to the fact that Chuck Schumer is setting the agenda, a number of moderate Republican senators are retiring at the end of the year. It's anyone's guess as to how they will vote on these terrible bills. We will be on Capitol Hill reminding Members of Congress that millions of pro-life, pro-family Americans are watching.