RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. stated today: “I was pleased to return the United States Attorney’s Office to full operations this morning following the resolution of the lapse in appropriations by our leadership in Washington. And as we resume normal operations, I want to thank and commend the lawyers and staff of the United States Attorney’s Office for their faithful service during this difficult period. The vast majority of our staff served without pay for the duration of the lapse as essential employees tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the people of our District. This is the dedication I see from them every day. But the depth of their commitment to the mission and work of the Department of Justice was an example to us all over the last 35 days.”