Budget Matters Blog


Who Won and Lost in the 2014 Budget

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.


What Is An Omnibus?

An omnibus in London/ Photo by Gene Hunt.  A $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill was unveiled last night in Congress to fund the government for the rest of this fiscal year. The bill will be voted on by the end of the week. But what exactly is an “omnibus”? In...


How the Federal Budget Becomes Law

The federal budget process, explained in one graphic.


Will Unemployment Be Extended into 2014?

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.


War on Poverty: 50 Years Later

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the War on Poverty, which renewed a commitment to federal funding for programs to help struggling Americans. Here's a list of resources that illustrate how these federal programs are faring 50 years later.


Millennial Perspective: How to Strengthen Social Security

Social Security is popular because it is a social insurance program that over 58 million Americans depend on to make ends meet.


NPP in 2014: Getting a Little More Personal

NPP is getting personal in 2014. Here's a sneak peak at the work ahead in the new year.


One Last Challenge in 2013

Help us meet one last challenge to end 2013 on strong financial footing.


A Vision for 2014

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.


Senate Passes Budget Deal; Moves to President's Desk

Yesterday evening in a vote of 64 to 36, the Senate passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013.