Washington (CNN) -- The so-called "lame duck" session of the Democratic Congress convened Monday, with members preparing to make decisions on a host of contentious issues that could have major political ramifications for both President Barack Obama and the incoming Republican House majority. Newly elected House members, meanwhile, were given a daylong orientation on the rules and procedures governing life on Capitol Hill. They are set to take office in January. In the Senate, two new members -- Delaware's Chris Coons and West Virginia's Joe Manchin -- were sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden. Coons and Manchin are both Democrats; their addition to the Senate did not change the chamber's 59-41 Democratic edge for the lame duck session. Senate Democrats will have a smaller 53 to 47 majority next year.
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The lame duck session of Congress began Monday
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Congress must tackle multiple controversial issues before the end of the year
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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announces his intention to back an earmark ban
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Newly elected House members reiterate their intention to push for smaller government
Democrats are resisting, though some @placeholder senators appear to be open to some reductions.