This week the U.S. Congress returned to Washington, D.C. after recessing for the 2010 midterm elections.

There is tremendous debate regarding the level of action and the issues that will be acted on  during the final session of the 111th Congress.

One issue where there is no debate is the need to address the status of the FY 2011 budget. On September 30, Congress passed a continuing resolution to fund federal programs through December 3.

Therefore, before Congress departs action will need to be taken on all 12 appropriations bills by the current resolution’s deadline, pass an ominbus spending bill (which combines several appropriations bills into one), or pass an additional continuing resolution.

The 112th Congress will be officially sworn in and begin the first week in January.