FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FRIDAY - April 8, 2011

LAPSE OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

RALEIGH - United States Attorney George E.B. Holding announced that in the event of a lapse in the federal appropriations, popularly known as a “government shutdown,” surrounding communities should be aware that the critical national security mission will continue uninterrupted. The federal law enforcement community will continue to stand ready to respond to situations and execute its missions. All 116 federal prisons will remain open with staff, to include necessary medical personnel, to continue direct daily custodial responsibilities of inmates. Inmates and detainees will be continue to be confined securely at all detention centers.

Further, all criminal litigation will continue without interruptions as an activity essential to the safety of human life and protection of property.

However, because the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina, will be forced to stop or significantly curtail an array of different activities, it is likely that news releases or press advisories will not be issued until the lapse in appropriations is resolved.

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s web page at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce within 48 hours of release.