A government-wide shutdown began October 1, 2025. The Judiciary was able to continue paid operations through October 17, 2025, by using court fee balances and other funds not dependent on a new appropriation. On Monday, October 20, 2025, the judicial branch will no longer have funding to sustain full, paid operations. Until the ongoing lapse in government funding is resolved, federal courts will maintain limited operations necessary to perform the Judiciary’s constitutional functions. See General Order 208 for details.

Federal judges will continue to serve, in accordance with the Constitution, but court staff may only perform certain excepted activities permitted under the Anti-Deficiency Act.

Examples of excepted work include activities necessary to perform constitutional functions, activities necessary for the safety of human life and protection of property, and activities otherwise authorized by federal law. Excepted work will be performed without pay during the funding lapse. Staff members not performing excepted work will be placed on furlough.

Additional information on court operations during the funding lapse is available HERE.