Federal Judiciary Seeks Control Over Crumbling Courthouses

Judiciary says $8.3 billion in repairs needed to fix elevators, windows, roofs and more

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The federal judiciary has asked Congress for permission to take over management of the nation's courthouses, saying many are in a state of disrepair with billions of dollars in unmet repairs needed for issues like storm damage, mold, and Legionella bacteria in the water supply. The General Services Administration has served as the judiciary's landlord for decades, but the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts says the deteriorating condition of courthouses has led to people being trapped in elevators for hours and a ceiling collapse during a trial.

Why it matters

The crumbling condition of federal courthouses raises concerns about public safety, the ability of the judicial system to function properly, and the long-term costs of neglecting critical infrastructure. This issue highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging government buildings and the need for increased funding and oversight.

The details

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts says the $8.3 billion backlog of needed repairs includes fixes for elevators, windows, roofs, and other critical systems. Some emergency repairs, such as storm and water damage, can take years to complete. The office cites specific incidents like a water pipe failure at the Everett McKinley Dirksen federal courthouse in Chicago in 2024 that caused damage across six floors, with repairs still not begun. The judiciary is now asking Congress to let it take over management of the courthouses from the General Services Administration, which has served as the landlord for decades.

  • In October 2024, a water pipe failure at the Everett McKinley Dirksen federal courthouse in Chicago caused damage across six floors, with repairs still not begun.
  • On Tuesday, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts asked Congress for permission to take over management of the nation's courthouses.

The players

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

The administrative arm of the federal judiciary that oversees the management and operations of the U.S. court system.

General Services Administration (GSA)

The federal agency that has served as the landlord for the nation's courthouses, managing the properties the judiciary occupies.

Robert J. Conrad Jr.

The director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, who stated that courthouses are "in crisis" and that "action is needed now to reverse a downward spiral of critical-system failures, long-term underfunding of repairs, security risks, and climbing costs."

Marianne Copenhaver

The GSA associate administrator for strategic communications, who disagreed with the judiciary's characterization of the federal courthouse portfolio being in "crisis" due to mismanagement.

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What they’re saying

“Without immediate action, the problems will continue to worsen. Action is needed now to reverse a downward spiral of critical-system failures, long-term underfunding of repairs, security risks, and climbing costs.”

— Robert J. Conrad Jr., Director, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

“We disagree with the characterization that the federal courthouse portfolio is in 'crisis' due to mismanagement. While aging federal buildings present well-known challenges, their narrative omits critical context regarding our lack of access to GSA's Federal Building Fund to address delinquent maintenance.”

— Marianne Copenhaver, Associate Administrator for Strategic Communications, General Services Administration

What’s next

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts' request to take over management of the nation's courthouses will require congressional action to enact.

The takeaway

The crumbling condition of federal courthouses highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging government infrastructure and the need for increased funding and oversight to address critical repairs and safety issues. This issue raises broader questions about the division of responsibilities between the judicial and executive branches when it comes to managing government properties.