The court has adopted a Lapse in Appropriations Plan (LAP) for continued court operations in the event that an appropriations bill is not approved before the Judiciary's funding is exhausted on or about October 18, 2013. Pursuant to the LAP, every current court employee is performing an essential function necessary to the court's constitutional duty to hear and decide cases without interruption. Accordingly, all court employees will continue to work full time during any lapse in appropriations. The LAP suspends the following activities:
- hiring employees including the in-processing of new interns and/or pro bono law clerks;
- purchasing equipment, supplies, and contractual services. Even if a contract is currently in place, any actions that would result in further expenses under the contract will be curtailed unless they are clearly in support of designated essential activities. Further, payment on any goods and services acquired during a lapse in appropriations could have payment delayed until funds become available through another continuing resolution or an appropriation. The court’s Contracting Officer (CO) will notify contractors prior to an appropriations lapse as directed by the Procurement Management Division;
- entering into new contractual obligations;
- non-essential training;
- non-essential travel;
- supporting public and private non-adjudicative functions in the court house (e.g. naturalization ceremonies, bar organization meetings and functions, and moot court); and
- attendance of judicial officers at public functions/appearances requiring security personnel.
Update Date: October 17, 2013
Creation Date: October 10, 2013