Federal judiciary prepares for government shutdown

The federal judiciary is working on a plan in the event the federal government shuts down if Congress cannot agree on a budget.

James Duff, the director of the federal judiciary administrative office, sent out a memo to all federal judges, circuit court executives and federal public defenders informing them the judiciary plans to send out guidance.

Because cuts made by the House could be significant, he warned a potential loss in onboard-staff could result.

“With all of this uncertainty and out of an abundance of caution, we are urging chief judges and court unit executives to institute immediately a hiring freeze for all but the most critical vacancies until a final FY 2011 spending bill is enacted,” Duff wrote in the memo. “We also urge you to defer cash awards and discretionary step increases and to limit non-salary spending to essential expenditures only.

“We believe your adoption of these measures will better position the Judiciary in the event final FY 2011 funding levels necessitate sharp reductions to court allotments below the interim financial plan.”