AILA advises that the federal government has begun advanced preparations for a possible shutdown as Democrats and Republicans continue negotiating over a spending package to fund the government after Friday night.  EOIR Houston informs that if no deal is reached Friday evening, the downtown immigration court personnel will not show up to work.   While the building will open, the court personnel will not show up to work until an agreement is reached.  In such event, all cases will be rescheduled.  Please note, the Courts handling detained cases WILL NOT CLOSE.