Federal Courts Begin Furloughs as Shutdown Drains Judiciary Budget

Although the Judiciary Integrated Financial Management System posted budget allotments equivalent to 50 percent of the FY 2026 interim financial plan on September 30, those funds may only record obligations for excepted activities—not sustain general paid operations.

The Administrative Office conducted emergency training on October 15 to help courts develop and execute Phase 2 shutdown plans. Conrad’s memorandum emphasizes that excepted activities typically include constitutionally mandated functions such as criminal proceedings, prisoner habeas corpus petitions, and cases involving imminent threats to life or property.

Impact on Court Operations and Civil Litigation

Civil litigation across federal district courts faces mounting delays as non-essential proceedings halt. Civil trials, motion hearings, and discovery deadlines in cases without constitutional urgency will be postponed indefinitely until appropriations resume.

Criminal prosecutions will continue under excepted-activity designations, ensuring Sixth Amendment speedy trial rights and maintaining public safety operations. Federal public defender organizations remain operational to fulfill constitutional requirements, though staffing levels may be reduced.