Happy Friday from Avalon and Brad, and welcome to another round-up of the week's news about the judiciary. Lawmakers are looking to avert a government shutdown, but what happens with the federal courts if those efforts fail? We're taking a look at that question. Plus, it was a big week for Third Circuit nominations. We'll walk you through where Biden's picks for the Philadelphia-based court stand.

As always, please reach out to us via [email protected] or [email protected] with any tips or feedback. Follow us on Twitter: @AvalonZoppo and @BradKutner.

The E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse. The E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse, home of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, on Saturday, June 6, 2020. Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM

How Long Can the US Courts Stay Open in a Shutdown?

The federal courts have enough funding to operate for two weeks if there is a shutdown, according to officials this week.

While a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government until after the midterm elections cleared the Senate Thursday afternoon, what's unfolded during past shutdowns suggests the court system, operated by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, should remain open, even if austerity measures are needed.