The Duck Flys High

"The reason for the change? Republicans have gotten what they want, at least for now. With the election over, the push for 'team ball' isn’t nearly as strong. The GOP has seized the House and diminished the Democrats’ seats in the Senate to 53. This meant that, in the lame duck session, moderate Republicans could vote their conscience rather than continue to hunker down under McConnell’s policy of obstruction. For the first time in months, they could back Democratic bills, like DADT, that had strong public support. In short, they were finally able to help Congress do its job."

In The New Republic, Neera Tanden explains why the lame-duck Congress was so productive.