Federal Judiciary Seeks Control of Courthouses

Cites over $8 billion in delinquent infrastructure repairs across the country

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The federal judiciary has requested to take control of courthouses for maintenance and management purposes, citing more than a decade of unresolved grievances at justice buildings across the country. Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr., director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, wrote in separate letters to Vice President Vance and bipartisan congressional leaders that there are more than $8 billion worth of 'delinquent infrastructure repairs' that have created risks to safety, security and court operations.

Why it matters

This request highlights the ongoing challenges facing the federal court system, with aging and neglected courthouse facilities posing risks to operations and public safety. The judiciary is seeking more autonomy to address these issues, which could have significant implications for the management and funding of federal courthouses.

The details

The judiciary's administrative body is seeking to take over management of the buildings from the executive branch, citing recent 'unilateral actions and reorganization' by the General Services Administration (GSA) that have 'exacerbated' the conditions. Examples of the problems include a federal courthouse in Chicago that has had unresolved water damage issues since 2024, and a Mississippi courthouse that was closed for several years due to poor air quality.

  • On Tuesday, the federal judiciary requested to take control of courthouses.
  • In 2024, a federal courthouse in Chicago experienced water damage that has yet to be repaired.

The players

Robert J. Conrad Jr.

Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, who wrote letters requesting the judiciary take control of courthouses.

Marianne Copenhaver

A spokesperson for the General Services Administration, who disagreed with the characterization of the federal courthouse portfolio being in 'crisis' due to mismanagement.

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What they’re saying

“The recent unilateral actions and reorganization of [the General Services Administration] have only exacerbated these conditions.”

— Robert J. Conrad Jr., Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (thehill.com)

“We disagree with the characterization that the federal courthouse portfolio is in 'crisis' due to mismanagement.”

— Marianne Copenhaver, GSA Spokesperson (The New York Times)

What’s next

The proposed legislation would allow the judiciary to acquire, alter, construct and lease space and facilities necessary for the provision of court accommodations, beginning with the judiciary acquiring no more than 10 of the 94 federal judicial districts.

The takeaway

This request highlights the ongoing challenges facing the federal court system, with aging and neglected courthouse facilities posing risks to operations and public safety. The judiciary's push for more autonomy in managing these facilities could have significant implications for the funding and oversight of federal courthouses.