PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The federal government shutdown is having an impact on the local level, as federal courts in Eastern Kentucky have ordered a halt to all pending lawsuits in which the government is a party.

“Absent an appropriation, the United States represents that certain Department of Justice attorneys and employees of the federal government are prohibited from working, even on a voluntary basis, except in very limited circumstances, including ’emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property,'” an order issued Wednesday by Eastern District Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning reads. “Therefore, the lapse in appropriations requires a reduction in the workforce of the United States Attorney’s Office and other federal agencies, particularly with respect to prosecution and defense of civil cases.”

As a result, all pending civil litigation involving the government as a party will be “immediately suspended, postponed and held in abeyance” for 14 days. That includes all Social Security cases and any case seeking money or other relief from the government.

The order does not affect habeas corpus cases.

While the order suspends the civil cases involving the government, it has no effect on criminal cases. The order can be amended by future orders, depending on when Congress can pass legislation to fund and reopen the government.

A copy of the order follows: