A Regulatory Shutdown?

What happens to the federal rule-making apparatus during a government shutdown? The folks at the Federal Register have tried to shed some light on that issue in a blog post and a notice in the Federal Register itself.

Not to worry, FR officials say: "This is not our first time at the shutdown rodeo." What happens is fairly simple: The Office of the Federal Register will continue to publish documents necessary to the protection of life and property, even if the government isn't officially open. "A typical life safety document," the office says, "is an FAA Airworthiness Directive. Planes are still in the air during a government shutdown; and we must do our part to protect the flying public."

Other regs would be put on hold until agencies open up again.