Overview

• Chief Judge James Boasberg issued a standing order granting blanket extensions on upcoming deadlines in civil cases involving the federal government, with emergency relief excluded.
• The Justice Department has asked courts to stay specific cases, including challenges to voter registration data requests and cuts to domestic-violence programs, citing a lack of available staff and expressing regret for disruptions.
• The judiciary says courts remain open and funded through Oct. 17 using fee balances and other non-appropriated sources, with potential Anti-Deficiency Act limits taking effect if funds run out.
• Under DOJ’s shutdown plan, 89% of employees are exempt from furlough for the first five days as criminal prosecutions continue without interruption and most civil litigation is curtailed.
• Some urgent matters are still proceeding, as shown by a New York order temporarily blocking the reallocation of $34 million in transit counterterrorism funds until Oct. 15.