Three weeks into a federal government shut down

Yup.... big difference.... all the national parks are still open

They accomplish the same amount of work either way.

Here's an email message I received today:

Federal Judiciary Limited Operations Beginning October 20

The federal judiciary nationally has exhausted all available non-appropriated and no-year funds and will move into a non-paid status effective Monday, October 20, because Congress has not passed a continuing resolution or appropriations bill to fund the Third Branch of government. We are required to abide by the terms of the Anti-Deficiency Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 1341, et seq. We apologize for any inconvenience to you and to your clients.

The district court will continue to hear and decide cases. The clerk’s office will accept and timely process all civil and criminal filings, continue regular administration of the jury and grand jury system (including payment of petit and grand jurors), and will collect and deposit fees and costs into the Treasury. The clerk’s office will also process registry fund transactions and restitution disbursements. Court reporters will continue to transcribe proceedings and produce transcripts.

Court security services, including security screening at all courthouses, will continue as usual.

Staff will generally not be available to respond to inquiries that are not related to case administration. Attorney admission work will continue, but certificates of good standing will not be issued. Oaths will be administered, but no new ceremonial events, tours, or training will be scheduled. The court’s website will not be updated unless necessitated by an emergency. The clerk’s office will not be able to issue Pay.gov refunds. IT staff will keep the judiciary’s systems functioning and perform work necessary to protect the systems against cyberattacks. IT staff will also provide courtroom assistance to ensure that all audio-visual equipment functions normally. Attorney wi-fi services in the courtrooms, which are funded with non-appropriated funds, will still be available. IT staff will not be able to troubleshoot or help with CM/ECF problems that are related to an external user’s IT system.

CJA attorneys have not been paid or received expense reimbursements since July, but CJA vouchers have been audited and are in line for payment at the earliest opportunity. As of October 20, CJA attorneys should continue to submit vouchers for payment; however, the new vouchers cannot be reviewed or audited until the judiciary is funded. The vouchers will be maintained in order of receipt for immediate review and will be given priority once the judiciary receives funding.

Contractors have been notified of our inability to pay. In the context of case administration, this could impact an interpreter’s willingness to work in federal court. We have one staff interpreter in the district, and we can also use telephonic interpreting services for some proceedings.

With rare exception (for example, due to a life safety issue), we will not be able to obligate funds for repairs and alterations of our courtrooms or courthouses. Projects that were obligated in a previous fiscal year will proceed.

Staff will not be paid for the duration of the shutdown and will, therefore, not be expected to respond to after-hours or weekend inquiries or requests. Any calls or messages received after 4:30 p.m. will have to wait until the following business day for a response.

Thanks for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unfortunate situation.

Thank you,

Karen Mitchell
Clerk of Court
U.S. District Court
Northern District of Texas

I was told it's important to prosecute Daddy's political enemies. But apparently not that important. Nothing anyone should have to pay for certainly.

one of your most meaningful poasts to date

Some people require acknowledgment of their good works.

Some behave more biblically.

I would never judge.

Of course.

The left has shutdown the government. Not the right. We will no longer pay for commercial news outlets or transgender sex changes in foreign countries and all the other 1.5 trillion worth of insanity in their demand or else letter,

And here's Mall Cop's surrender.

I never surrender Marge. You're wrong as always. So who's holding up the funding Suzy? This is jsut a continuing resolution. Strictly to keep the government open.

Explain the 1.5 trillion ransom for faggotry and foreign countries. I'll wait.

I'm not like you. I like girls.

Gladys thinks an 80% cut in nuclear weapons secuirty is a nothing burger.