Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements

DOS Cable on Possible Government Shutdown

11/14/95 AILA Doc. No. 95111557. Consular Processing

O 140238A Nov 95
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
To All Diplomatic and Consular Posts Immediate
Special Embassy Program Immediate
AmEmbassy Asmara Immediate

Unclas State 266463

E.O. 12356: N/A

Subject: Consular Operations in the Absence of an Appropriation

Ref: State 220826

1. In the event of a lapse in appropriations and if the OMB determines that the government will cease non-excepted functions, then consular sections should cease the provision of routine consular services. In this event, only those services deemed essential are to be provided. These included all/repeat all emergency services to American citizens. These also include visa services in truly compelling humanitarian cases, e.g. the issuance of an NIV to someone with a critically ill relative in the United States or the issuance of an immigrant visa to an applicant about to turn 21 who would otherwise lose status. (See Reftel) this is in keeping with the plans which posts submitted earlier and which have been accepted.

2. In the event of an announcement that the government is ceasing to provide non-excepted functions, then consular sections should close down routine visa issuance and routine services to Americans, e.g. notarials, would be suspended.

3. While the appropriation lapses at midnight Monday, November 13, no decision on ceasing non-excepted functions is expected from OMB until sometime the morning of November 14. Posts may continue to provide routine services until such time as an announcement is made. Posts will be notified by cable of this event. All effective times will be Washington Time. Thus, some posts may complete a large portion of their business day before a decision is taken in Washington. Posts in this hemisphere may still open to the public and be able to process the bulk of their routine cases on November 14. If a decision is made to cease non-excepted functions, three hours is allowed to effect the shutdown. The key here is when a decision to shutdown is taken. Please monitor the cable traffic closely.

Warren Christopher

27MM6A02