Federal Judges Urge Congress to Fund Judiciary at $94 Billion for FY 2026
Two federal judges have expressed concerns about the impact of two consecutive years of flat funding on the Judiciary, urging Congress to approve a significant increase in appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Judiciary is seeking a 9.3% increase in budget requests for FY 2026, which would bring its total request to $94 billion.
Challenges Faced by the Judiciary
The judiciary faces numerous challenges in performing its constitutional functions, including:
- Staffing shortages and inadequate resources
- Inefficient administrative processes
- Increased caseloads and delays
“Two straight years of flat funding have taken a toll on the Judiciary’s ability to perform its essential constitutional functions. We need an increase in appropriations to ensure that we can continue to serve the public effectively.” – Federal Judges
Why a 9.3% Increase is Necessary
The judiciary’s request for a 9.3% increase is necessary to address the following issues:
- Enhance staffing and resources to improve efficiency and effectiveness
- Implement administrative reforms to reduce delays and improve case management
- Increase funding for technology upgrades and modernization efforts
The bill can be found at: http://www.uscourts.gov/data-news/judiciary-news/2025/05/14/judicial-branch-seeks-94-billion-fy-2026-budget-request
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