Lawmakers have introduced a $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill that will finally complete the budgeting process for the federal government's fiscal year 2014.

The federal budget process, explained in one graphic.

Emergency unemployment benefits expired at the end of December and cut off jobless aid to 1.3 million out-of-work Americans. Whether benefits will be extended is now the top debate in Washington.

Congress managed to squeeze through a budget deal just before its Dec. 13 deadline, narrowly avoiding another crisis. Yet there is still a long way to go. January is sure to be action-packed.

Congress leaves some unfinished budget business as it heads out for the holidays.

The deal's been done, but the U.S. is still a few steps away from having a budget. What's next?

There's just four days left before Congress sails past their self-imposed budget deadline -- again. Here are our top seven reasons why you should take 5 minutes right now to stop them.

Remember the outrageous 16-day government shutdown? Congress ended it by establishing deadlines for passing a budget, and the first of those deadlines is fast approaching. 

Health care. Jobs. Social Security. Taxes. War. If you're like the majority of Americans, these things matter to you. Congress has only 10 days left to deliver a budget proposal that will decide the future of Medicaid, Food Stamps, Head Start, Social Security, corporate tax breaks, and much more.

As the Dec. 13 deadline for a budget deal approaches, some sources are saying prospects for a deal may be growing. Demand Congress do its job to avoid yet another government shutdown.