INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Continuing Resolutions Go On, As Congress Enters Lame Duck Session
Judicial Conference Opposes Sweeping Restrictions on Educational Programs
Lack of Judgeships Prompts Judicial Emergency
The Hunt for a Federal Law Clerkship Goes On-Line
Chief Judge Haden Named Executive Committee Chair
Judges Key to Work of ABA
Judicial Milestones
Judicial Boxscore
Judicial Conference of the United States, September 19, 2000

The clock was still running on the "lame duck" 106th Congress when it returned to complete unfinished business in November.

First, the 106th Congress was slated to adjourn by October 6, then the date was moved to mid-October. But by November 1— and 13 continuing resolutions later—it was clear to congressional leaders they’d finish their business in a "lame duck" session following the presidential elections.

Much of that unfinished business affects the Judiciary. The Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary and related agencies appropriations bill with the Judiciary’s budget was delayed in Congress, then the President threatened a veto. It has not been sent to the President and may not be until all appropriations bills and other issues are resolved. A COLA for members of Congress and federal judges was likely until the Treasury-Postal Service appropriations bill, which also contained courthouse funding, was vetoed by the President. That bill has been returned to Congress. The fates of numerous pieces of key legislation are still undecided.

The Third Branch was caught up in the uncertain timetable of this Congress. The result is a combined October/November issue, with the promise of an expanded December issue. Next issue, hopefully, will contain all the news from this session of Congress.