The U.S. federal courts say operations are set to slow down as the government shutdown continues.
In an Oct. 17 announcement, the agency said starting this week, the judicial branch will no longer have the funding to sustain full, paid operations. And federal courts will maintain the limited operations necessary to uphold their constitutional functions.
That means federal judges will continue to serve, but other staff will be limited to certain activities permitted under federal law — like those necessary to safeguard human life and property.
Staff members performing essential duties will remain at work without pay, according to the announcement, and those not performing those duties are on furlough.
Individual courts will decide which cases will move forward and which will be put on hold.
The shut down began Oct. 1 amid a stalemate in Congress — where GOP lawmakers are trying to pass a spending bill that Democrats say can’t move forward without first addressing health care subsidies that are set to expire.
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