Supreme Court Faces Funding Crisis Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C. — The Supreme Court is on the verge of running out of federal funding this Saturday, according to Patricia McCabe, the court’s public information officer. If Congress does not approve new funding, the Supreme Court will alter its operations in compliance with the Anti-Deficiency Act, which restricts federal agencies from spending beyond their approved budgets.

“The Supreme Court will continue to conduct essential work such as hearing oral arguments, issuing orders and opinions, processing case filings, and providing police and building support needed for those operations,” McCabe stated. However, the court’s building will be closed to the public until further notice.

Compounding the funding issues, Russ Vought, the head of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, announced that the Army Corps of Engineers is pausing $11 billion in projects due to the ongoing government shutdown. Vought said the freeze affects lower-priority projects in cities like New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Baltimore.

In Congress, the House has extended its break into a fifth week. During a pro forma session, the House clerk read a notice that designated next week as a district work period. Republican Rep. Craig Goldman of Texas presided over the session but did not recognize Democratic Rep. Johnny Olszewski of Maryland, who sought acknowledgment to urge the swearing in of Democrat Adelita Grijalva.

The federal judiciary confirmed that it will not maintain full-paid operations beginning Monday due to the funding lapse. Court staff will only perform activities deemed necessary under federal law, which includes essential functions to ensure safety and protect property.

“Until the ongoing lapse in government funding is resolved, federal courts will maintain limited operations necessary to perform the Judiciary’s constitutional functions,” the judiciary said. Staff members not involved in these critical activities will be furloughed.

National Nuclear Security Administration officials informed that funding for salaries and expenses will run out Saturday, risking furloughs for approximately 1,400 employees, while 375 will remain working. They also noted plans to put facilities into “minimum-safe” status.

House Speaker Mike Johnson responded to criticism regarding the delay in swearing in Rep.-elect Grijalva, stating that she will be sworn in once Congress is back in full session. “Rep.-elect Grijalva is to be congratulated for winning her late father’s seat. We will administer the oath to her as soon as possible,” he said.

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reiterated calls for reopening the government, attributing part of the problem to House Republicans taking extended breaks. “We need to reopen the government, and we need to reopen the government now,” he insisted.

As the shutdown continues, law enforcement officers from the Department of Homeland Security will be paid if they work during the period, as confirmed by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

The future of government operations remains uncertain as lawmakers face pressure to come to an agreement on funding.