Despite the lapse in appropriations and federal government shutdown, the federal Judiciary will remain open and will continue operations through January 31, 2019 by using Judiciary funds not dependent on a new appropriation. Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) will remain in operation for the electronic filing of documents and most court proceedings and deadlines in the District of Vermont will continue as scheduled. Please be advised that in cases where an attorney from an Executive Branch agency is not working because of the shutdown, hearing and filing dates may be rescheduled.
In the event the shutdown continues past January 31, 2019, and the Judiciary’s financial resources become exhausted, the District of Vermont will continue all mission critical operations under the terms of the Anti-Deficiency Act, which allows work to continue during a lapse in appropriations if it is necessary to support the exercise of Article III judicial powers (ie. the resolution of cases in which there is a constitutional or statutory grant of jurisdiction).
Jeffrey S. Eaton
Clerk of Court