The Judiciary

FY 2018

Congressional Budget 

Summary

Revised

PREPARED BY

THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE U.S. COURTS

WASHINGTON, DC

June 2017

i

Overview

The Judiciary’s FY 2018 revised discretionary budget request of $7.19 billion is a 3.8

percent increase over the Judiciary’s FY 2017 appropriation of $6.93 billion, and is $35 

million below the Judiciary’s original budget request transmitted in March 2017. Our 

revised request is based on final FY 2017 appropriations, updated pay and non-pay 

inflation factors, and other technical adjustments.

The Judicial Conference is grateful for the support of Congress in this difficult and 

constrained fiscal environment; however, we remain concerned about the potential for 

steep cuts to FY 2018 non-defense discretionary spending that could impact Judiciary 

funding. Our constitutional system of government, with separation of powers and 

checks and balances, cannot function as intended if the judicial branch is insufficiently 

resourced. We ask that Congress take into account the nature and importance of the 

work of the federal courts and continue to make the Judiciary a funding priority. 

FY 2017 Priorities

The FY 2017 enacted funding levels will enable the Judiciary to maintain current 

services across the Judiciary and will enable investment in important program 

initiatives to support judicial operations.

For the courts’ Salaries and Expenses account, the enacted funding level will allow 

the court units to maintain on-board staffing levels and continue to fill critical vacancies 

needed to meet workload demands, particularly in probation offices. In addition, the 

enacted funding level will allow the Judiciary to continue to strengthen its cybersecurity 

capabilities in the wake of the Office of Personnel Management’s 2015 cyber incident. 

Cybersecurity is the Judiciary’s top administrative priority. Ensuring that the 

Judiciary’s mission-critical systems and information are adequately protected requires 

additional investments now and in the future. A number of information technology 

(IT) security-related initiatives are planned or already underway, and a number of 

studies have been completed and are being reviewed to assess and provide 

recommendations on several security toolsets. 

For the Defender Services account, the enacted funding levels will support all 

projected panel attorney payments; a $2 increase above a cost of living adjustment 

(COLA) to the hourly non-capital panel attorney rate; the continued implementation of 

Foreword
ii

the federal defender organization staffing formula; new positions for defender services 

activities not covered by the staffing formula; and cybersecurity enhancements. 

For the Court Security account, the enacted funding level will maintain adequate 

security services while also allowing for security enhancements at our courthouses. 

This includes funding to hire additional court security officers as part of the multi-year 

implementation of a new U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) staffing standard to increase the 

number of officers by 346. Finally, the enacted funding levels will support all projected 

costs for petit and grand jurors.

FY 2018 Revised Budget Request

The FY 2018 revised budget request will maintain current services across the 

Judiciary, sustain progress on several major ongoing initiatives, and fund a number of 

new investments in judicial operations and infrastructure. 

For the courts’ Salaries and Expenses account, the Judiciary requests $5.15 billion, an 

increase of $145.9 million (2.9 percent) in discretionary appropriations over the FY 2017 

enacted level. This request funds a number of critical facilities-related investments, 

including $1.8 million for infrastructure requirements associated with the new 

courthouse construction funding Congress provided to the General Services 

Administration (GSA) in FY 2016; $10 million for continued implementation of the 

Judiciary’s national space reduction program; and $10 million for emergency repairs to 

the façade of the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building. The request also 

maintains base funding for ongoing Judiciary cybersecurity activities.

For the Defender Services account, the Judiciary requests $1.12 billion, an increase of 

$78.0 million (7.5 percent) over the FY 2017 enacted level. This request includes 

sufficient funding to support the projected number of representations for FY 2018. The 

request also includes funding for panel attorneys to receive COLAs and for a $6 per 

hour above-COLA increase to the non-capital panel attorney hourly rate (from $135 per 

hour to $141 per hour) to narrow the gap between the current rate and the statutorily 

authorized maximum, as well as $7.4 million for IT and cybersecurity requirements. 

The Judiciary’s request also includes $587.6 million for Court Security, an increase of 

$22.2 million (3.9 percent) over the enacted FY 2017 level, to protect judges, court staff, 

and the public at court facilities. This funding will support additional security-related 

IT maintenance and enhancements, including $7.1 million for security systems and 

screening equipment at new federal courthouse projects planned in Charlotte, NC; 

Savannah, GA; and Greenville, SC. The request also includes $0.5 million for five new 
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positions (3 FTEs) at the USMS dedicated to support the Physical Access Control 

Systems program. 

For the Fees of Jurors account, the Judiciary seeks $50.9 million, an increase of $11.0 

million (27.6 percent) over the FY 2017 enacted level. The FY 2018 request is sufficient 

to fund all projected juror requirements and includes a $10 increase to the daily juror 

attendance fee (from $40 to $50), the first such increase since 1990. 

Courthouse Construction and Capital Security Improvements

The Judiciary’s courthouse construction and capital security projects are funded 

from the GSA’s budget. For FY 2018, the Judiciary is focused on effectively managing 

the eight courthouse projects and two joint courthouse/federal building projects whose 

construction costs were fully funded in FY 2016. In addition, the Judiciary has updated 

its Courthouse Project Priorities plan to reflect its highest construction priorities for FY 

2018: Harrisburg, PA; Huntsville, AL; and Fort Lauderdale, FL.

For the Capital Security Program, the Judiciary requests that Congress provide GSA 

$20.0 million in FY 2018 for additional capital security projects to ameliorate security 

deficiencies in existing courthouse buildings where physical renovations are viable in 

lieu of construction of a new courthouse. The stable and consistent funding of these 

projects is crucial to addressing serious security risks that threaten the safety of the 

Judiciary and the public.

Cost Containment

The Judiciary’s aggressive cost-containment efforts have achieved cost savings and 

cost avoidance for over a decade and will continue to do so. These efforts focus on the 

areas that may have the greatest impact on long-term savings, including GSA space 

rent, personnel expenses, information technology, and operating expenses. 

The Judiciary continues to make strides toward its goal of reducing its space 

footprint by three percent by the end of FY 2018. As of March 2017, approximately 

706,000 usable square feet (USF) of space has been removed from the GSA rent bill, 

which equates to an annual rent avoidance of more than $19.7 million. This represents 

81 percent of the Judiciary’s space reduction target of 870,305 USF. Projects currently 

underway are expected to yield additional space reduction enabling the Judiciary to 

exceed the 3 percent goal by an estimated 250,000 USF. 
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In addition, a joint Judiciary/GSA Service Validation Initiative (SVI) works in 

tandem with the Judiciary’s space reduction program on reducing costs by focusing on 

evaluating and achieving improvements in the services that the Judiciary receives from 

the GSA. SVI has fostered an increase in collaboration and commitment to success 

between the Judiciary and GSA. As a result of SVI, space and facilities-related issues 

will be resolved more efficiently and at a lower cost.

The Judiciary continues to update its work measurement formulas on a regular basis 

to incorporate best practices, shared administrative services, improvements in 

information technology, and other efficiencies.

The Judiciary’s FY 2018 revised discretionary budget request of $7.19 billion is 

summarized in the following pages. 

Julia S. Gibbons James C. Duff

United States Circuit Judge Director, Administrative Office 

 for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals of the United States Courts

Chair, Budget Committee of the Secretary, Judicial Conference of the United States

 Judicial Conference of the United States
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Page

Foreword........................................................................................................................................ i

Overview of the Judiciary ..........................................................................................................1

FY 2018 Budget Summary - Details of Request......................................................................5 

Summary Tables

Judiciary Appropriation Funding for FY 2016 - FY 2018 ............................................9

Summary of FTE for FY 2016 - FY 2018 .......................................................................10

FY 2018 Summary of Requested Changes...................................................................11

FY 2018 Request Summary by Appropriation

Supreme Court of the United States 

Salaries and Expenses...............................................................................................17

Care of the Building and Grounds .........................................................................19

United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ............................................23

United States Court of International Trade.................................................................25

Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Other Judicial Services (CADCOJS)

Salaries and Expenses...............................................................................................27

Defender Services......................................................................................................35

Fees of Jurors and Commissioners .........................................................................39

Court Security............................................................................................................43

Administrative Office of the United States Courts ....................................................47

Federal Judicial Center...................................................................................................49

United States Sentencing Commission ........................................................................51

Title III Administrative Provisions – The Judiciary ...................................................53

Judicial Retirement Funds .............................................................................................57

Judiciary Space Priorities for the FY 2018 Budget Request 

Courthouse Construction...............................................................................................61

Capital Security Program...............................................................................................63

Table of Contents
vi
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The organization of the judiciary, the district and circuit boundaries, the places of holding 

court, and the number of federal judges are established by laws passed by Congress and 

signed by the President. The number of federal judges in each district and in the courts of 

appeals is authorized by Congress on the basis of workload.

In addition to the adjudication of cases, other related functions, such as the provision of 

criminal defense services and the supervision of offenders, are prescribed by statute. 

Following is a brief overview of the work of the courts and other related activities of the 

Judicial Branch.

United States Supreme Court

The United States Supreme Court 

consists of nine justices, one of whom is 

appointed as Chief Justice of the United 

States. The Supreme Court is the final 

arbiter in the federal court system.

United States Courts of Appeals

There are 13 courts of appeals and 179 

authorized appellate court judgeships 

nationwide. Twelve of the courts of 

appeals have jurisdiction over cases 

within a regional area or “circuit.” The 

twelve regional courts of appeals review 

cases from the United States district 

courts and the United States Tax Court, and orders and decisions from a number of federal 

administrative agencies.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has exclusive national 

jurisdiction over a large number of diverse subject areas, including international trade, 

government contracts, patents, trademarks, certain money claims against the United States 

government, federal personnel, and veterans’ benefits. Appeals to the court come from all 

94 federal district courts, as well as the United States Court of Federal Claims, the United 

Overview of the Judiciary
2

States Court of International Trade, and the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans 

Claims. There are 12 authorized Article III circuit judgeships nationwide.

United States District Courts

There are 94 district courts in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 

Puerto Rico, and the territories of Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana 

Islands. The U.S. District Courts are the courts of general jurisdiction in the federal court 

system, and most federal cases are initially tried and decided in these courts. There are 677

authorized Article III district court judgeships nationwide.

The Federal Magistrates Act of 1968 

created the office of magistrate judge to 

assist the district court judges. 

Magistrate judges are non-Article III 

judges appointed by the district judges, 

and they serve for a term of years rather 

than a lifetime appointment. Full-time 

magistrate judges serve a term of eight 

years and may be reappointed. 

United States Bankruptcy Courts

The bankruptcy courts are separate units of the district courts. Federal courts have 

exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases. This means that a bankruptcy case cannot be 

filed in a state court. United States bankruptcy judges are non-Article III judges appointed 

by the courts of appeals for a term of years rather than a lifetime appointment. They serve 

for a term of 14 years and may be reappointed.

United States Court of International Trade

The Court of International Trade, with nine Article III judges, has exclusive nationwide 

jurisdiction of civil actions against the United States, its agencies and officers, and certain 

civil actions brought by the United States, arising out of import transactions and the 

administration and enforcement of the federal customs and international trade laws.

United States Court of Federal Claims

The Court of Federal Claims has nationwide jurisdiction over certain types of claims against 

the federal government. Its 16 judges are appointed for a term of 15 years by the President 
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with the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Judges appointed to the Court of Federal 

Claims are authorized under Article I of the 

constitution and do not have the tenure and 

salary protections of Article III judges.

Probation and Pretrial Services

Federal probation and pretrial services officers protect the public through the investigation 

and supervision of defendants and offenders within the federal criminal justice system. A 

pretrial services officer supervises defendants awaiting trial who are released into our 

communities and provides a source of information upon which the court can determine 

conditions of release or detention while criminal cases are pending adjudication. In support 

of sentencing determinations, which require both uniformity of practice and attention to 

individual circumstances, probation officers provide the court with reliable information 

concerning the offender, the victim, and the offense committed, as well as an impartial 

application of the sentencing guidelines. Probation officers supervise offenders sentenced 

to probation, as well as offenders coming out of federal prison who are required to serve a 

term of supervised release.

Defender Services

The federal judiciary oversees and administers the federal defender and appointed counsel 

program, which provides legal representation and other services to persons financially 

unable to obtain counsel in criminal and related matters in federal court. The Sixth 

Amendment to the Constitution guarantees that “[i]n all criminal prosecutions the accused 

shall enjoy the right...to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.” The Criminal Justice 

Act provides that courts shall appoint counsel from federal public and community defender 

organizations or from a panel of private attorneys (“panel attorneys”) established by the 

court. 

Court Security

The judiciary’s Court Security appropriation funds protective guard services and security 

systems and equipment for United States courthouses and other facilities housing federal 

court operations. These services are contracted for and managed by the Department of 

Justice’s United States Marshals Service, with additional guard services provided by the 

Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service.
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Fees of Jurors and Commissioners

The judiciary receives funding to provide for the statutory fees and allowances of federal 

grand and petit jurors and for the compensation of land commissioners.

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts is the central support entity for the judicial 

branch. It has management oversight of the court security program, the probation and 

pretrial services program, and the defender services program. It supports the Judicial 

Conference of the United States in determining judiciary policies; develops new methods, 

systems, and programs for conducting the business of the federal courts efficiently and 

economically; develops and supports the application of technology; collects and analyzes 

statistics on the business of the federal courts for accurate planning and decisions about 

resource needs; provides financial management services and personnel and payroll support; 

and conducts audits and reviews to ensure the continued quality and integrity of federal 

court operations.

Federal Judicial Center

The Federal Judicial Center is the judiciary’s research and education agency. The Center 

undertakes research and evaluation of judicial operations and procedures for both the 

committees of the Judicial Conference and the courts themselves. It provides judges, court 

personnel, and others orientation, continuing education and training through seminars; 

curriculum units for in-court use; monographs and manuals; and audio, video, and 

interactive media programs.

Payment to Judicial Retirement Funds

This appropriation finances annuity payments to retired bankruptcy judges and magistrate 

judges, U.S. Court of Federal Claims judges, and spouses and dependent children of 

deceased judicial officers.

United States Sentencing Commission

The U.S. Sentencing Commission promulgates 

sentencing policies, practices, and guidelines for the 

federal criminal justice system. The Chair, three Vice 

Chairs, and three other voting commissioners are 

appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
5

The judiciary’s revised appropriation request for FY 2018 totals $7,819,070,000 

(including $625,913,000 in mandatory appropriations and $7,193,157,000 in 

discretionary appropriations), an increase of $310,301,000, or 4.1 percent, over the 

FY 2017 appropriations. Of that increase, $44,104,000 is for mandatory appropriations 

(7.6 percent increase) and $266,197,000 is for discretionary appropriations (3.8 percent 

increase).

Adjustments to Base (Mandatory Appropriations) 

A $44.1 million increase is requested for mandatory judiciary appropriations, as 

follows: 

1. An increase of $26.7 million is required for the judiciary retirement trust funds 

accounts based on requirements calculated by an independent actuary.

2. An increase of $9.3 million is associated with an additional 19 senior judges FTE, an 

additional 18 active Article III judges FTE, and an additional 4 bankruptcy judges 

FTE.

3. An increase of $8.1 million is for pay adjustments for Article III judges for the 

Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the Court of 

International Trade, and Article III and bankrtupcy judges for the courts’ S&E 

account, including the annualization of the FY 2017 pay adjustment, a proposed 

January 2018 pay adjustment, and changes in benefits costs.

Adjustments to Base (Discretionary Appropriations)

A total of $219.7 million (82.5 percent) of the requested $266.2 million discretionary 

increase will provide for pay adjustments, inflation and other adjustments to base 

necessary to maintain current services. 

Base adjustments include:

1. An increase of $143.0 million will provide for inflationary pay and benefit rate 

increases for magistrate and claims judges, judges’ staff, and supporting personnel. 

This includes annualizing the January 2017 pay adjustment, a proposed January 

2018 pay adjustment of 1.9 percent consistent with the President’s proposal for 
6

federal workers, changes in benefit costs, cost-of-living rate increases for panel 

attorneys, and a wage rate adjustment for court security officers.

2. An increase of $29.8 million is necessary to replace non-appropriated sources of 

funds used in FY 2017 to support defender services and juror base requirements 

with direct appropriations. The judiciary will keep the Appropriations 

Subcommittees informed of any change in this estimate. 

3. An increase of $21.9 million is associated with an additional 63 senior judges’ staff, 

an additional 91 active Article III judges’ staff, and an additional 14 bankruptcy 

judges’ staff.

4. An increase of $19.0 million will provide for increases in contract rates and other 

standard inflationary increases.

5. An increase of $17.1 million will provide for the annualization of 100 federal 

defender organization (FDO) positions, 9 defender national positions, 14 Criminal 

Justice Act panel management positions, 3 staff at the U.S. Sentencing Commission, 

and 69 additional court security officer positions funded in FY 2017.

6. An increase of $4.1 million for the courts’ S&E account is due to ongoing

information technology (IT) requirements to support current operations as well as 

upgrades and enhancements to the judiciary’s integrated financial management, 

human resources, rent and property management systems, telecommunications, 

case management systems and cyber security capabilities. In addition, this increase 

provides funding for operations and maintenance activities; court automation 

support; and infrastructure support for national IT applications.

7. An increase of $2.1 million will provide for the additional costs associated with FDO 

contracts and needed training for FDO staff.

8. An increase of $2.0 million will provide for additional costs associated with the 

Vaccine Injury program. These include personnel and related costs due to an 

increased caseload, as well as for standard pay and non-pay inflationary 

adjustments.

9. An increase of $1.6 million will provide for estimated increases in Federal Protective 

Service (FPS) security charges, based on rates established by FPS.
7

10. An increase of $1.0 million is associated with a projected net change in juror costs.

11. A net decrease of $18.8 million is associated with $19.0 million in rent savings due to 

a new GSA pricing policy on tenant floor cuts and $26.9 million in other spacerelated reductions, partially offset by increases of $5.2 million for the annualization 

of new space delivered in FY 2017, $1.1 million for new space expected to be 

delivered in FY 2018, and $20.8 million for space-related inflation.

12. A decrease of $1.1 million is for non-recurring costs associated with contracts for the 

development of new treatment curricula as part of the Evidence-Based Practices 

program.

13. A net decrease of $1.2 million is associated with adjustments to court security 

systems and equipment requirements.

14. A decrease of $0.9 million is due to a decline in panel attorney payment 

requirements for the Defender Services program. 

15. An increase of 46 FTEs is associated with the transition from a Community Defender 

Organization (CDO) in the Western District of North Carolina to a Federal Public 

Defender Organization (FPDO). No additional funds for this transition are required 

because base funding associated with the CDO is available to support the FPDO in 

FY 2018. 

Program Increases (Discretionary Appropriations)

The remaining $46.5 million (17.5 percent) of the requested increase is for program 

enhancements including:

1. An increase of $10.0 million is for one-time costs to implement additional space 

reduction projects. 

2. An increase of $10.0 million is for repairs to the Thurgood Marshall Federal 

Judiciary Building (TMFJB) façade to address serious safety issues.

3. An increase of $8.8 million will support information technology, swing space, and 

security requirements for new courthouse construction projects. 
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4. An increase of $5.1 million is for an increase to the daily juror attendance rate from 

$40 to $50.

5. An increase of $3.8 million is for cybersecurity requirements consisting of $0.3 

million and one position (1 FTE) for the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and 

$3.5 million for Defender Services. 

6. An increase of $3.9 million is for information technology requirements to support 

the Defender Services program.

7. An increase of $1.8 million will provide for a $6 hourly rate increase above inflation, 

from $135 to $141 per hour, for non-capital panel attorney cases, effective January 

2018.

8. An increase of $0.7 million will support one additional magistrate judge (1 FTE), 

three support staff (3 FTE), and associated operating costs for Williamsport, PA. 

9. An increase of $0.8 million will support two positions (1 FTE) and maintenance and 

infrastructure upgrade requirements for Supreme Court facilities.

10. An increase of $0.5 million is for five positions (3 FTEs) at the U.S. Marshals Service 

(USMS) dedicated to support the Physical Access Control System (PACS) program.

11. An increase of $0.5 million is for the Facilities Access Card (FAC) sustainment 

project.

12. An increase of $0.5 million will provide additional funding for the development of a 

replacement for the Judicial Security Management and Reporting Tool (JSMART), 

which is the USMS’ information technology system for managing security resources 

at court facilities.
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 Appropriation Account Mandatory1 Discretionary Total Mandatory Discretionary Total Mandatory Discretionary Total

Supreme Court

 Salaries and Expenses 2,562 75,838 78,400 2,611 76,668 79,279 2,660 78,669 81,329

 Building and Grounds - 9,964 9,964 - 14,868 14,868 - 16,153 16,153

 Total, U.S. Supreme Court 2,562 85,802 88,364 2,611 91,536 94,147 2,660 94,822 97,482

Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit 2,890 30,872 33,762 2,954 30,108 33,062 3,001 31,252 34,253

Court of International Trade 1,178 18,160 19,338 2,034 18,462 20,496 2,074 18,664 20,738

Courts of Appeals, District Courts,

 and Other Judicial Services:

 Salaries and Expenses 400,715 4,918,969 5,319,684 405,910 4,996,445 5,402,355 423,178 5,140,591 5,563,769

 Vaccine Injury Trust Fund - 6,050 6,050 - 6,510 6,510 - 8,230 8,230

 Total, Salaries and Expenses 400,715 4,925,019 5,325,734 405,910 5,002,955 5,408,865 423,178 5,148,821 5,571,999

 Defender Services - 1,004,949 1,004,949 - 1,044,647 1,044,647 - 1,122,659 1,122,659

 Fees of Jurors & Commissioners - 44,199 44,199 - 39,929 39,929 - 50,944 50,944

 Court Security - 538,196 538,196 - 565,388 565,388 - 587,608 587,608

 Subtotal, CADCOJS 400,715 6,512,363 6,913,078 405,910 6,652,919 7,058,829 423,178 6,910,032 7,333,210

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts - 85,665 85,665 - 87,500 87,500 - 90,423 90,423

Federal Judicial Center - 27,719 27,719 - 28,335 28,335 - 29,265 29,265

Judicial Retirement Funds 155,400 - 155,400 168,300 - 168,300 195,000 - 195,000

United States Sentencing Commission - 17,570 17,570 - 18,100 18,100 - 18,699 18,699

 Total Direct 562,745 6,772,101 7,334,846 581,809 6,920,450 7,502,259 625,913 7,184,927 7,810,840

 Vaccine Injury Trust Fund - 6,050 6,050 - 6,510 6,510 - 8,230 8,230

 Total, Judiciary 562,745 6,778,151 7,340,896 581,809 6,926,960 7,508,769 625,913 7,193,157 7,819,070

1

 FY 2016 mandatory levels reflect actuals, with the exception of Supreme Court which reflects the FY 2016 financial plan level. 

 THE JUDICIARY 

Judiciary Appropriation Funding ($000)

FY 2016 Enacted FY 2017 Appropriation FY 2018 Request

Summary Tables
10

 Appropriation Account Mandatory Discretionary Total Mandatory Discretionary Total Mandatory Discretionary Total

Supreme Court

 Salaries and Expenses 9 479 488 9 488 497 9 488 497

 Building and Grounds - 39 39 - 50 50 - 51 51

 Total, U.S. Supreme Court 9 518 527 9 538 547 9 539 548

Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit 12 133 145 12 139 151 12 140 152

Court of International Trade 6 51 57 9 71 80 9 71 80

Courts of Appeals, District Courts,

 and Other Judicial Services:

 Salaries and Expenses 1,783 26,069 27,852 1,772 26,163 27,935 1,813 26,335 28,148

 Vaccine Injury Trust Fund - - - - - - - - -

 Total, Salaries and Expenses 1,783 26,069 27,852 1,772 26,163 27,935 1,813 26,335 28,148

 Defender Services - 2,746 2,746 - 2,873 2,873 - 2,980 2,980

 Fees of Jurors & Commissioners - - - - - - - - -

 Court Security - 59 59 - 70 70 - 73 73

 Subtotal, CADCOJS 1,783 28,874 30,657 1,772 29,106 30,878 1,813 29,388 31,201

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts - 586 586 - 621 621 - 621 621

Federal Judicial Center - 127 127 - 125 125 - 125 125

Judicial Retirement Funds - - - - - - - - -

United States Sentencing Commission - 95 95 - 95 95 - 96 96

 Total Judiciary (Direct) 1,810 30,384 32,194 1,802 30,695 32,497 1,843 30,980 32,823

 THE JUDICIARY 

FY 2016 Enacted FY 2017 Appropriation FY 2018 Request

Summary of FTE
11

Supreme Federal International Court Circuit Trade CADCOJS

FTE ($000) FTE ($000) FTE ($000) FTEs ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation - Mandatory 9 2,611 12 2,954 9 2,034 1,772 405,910

FY 2017 Appropriation - Discretionary 538 91,536 139 30,108 71 18,462 29,106 6,646,409

 FY 2017 Vaccine Injury Trust Fund - - - - - - - 6,510

FY 2017 Available Appropriation 547 94,147 151 33,062 80 20,496 30,878 7,058,829

FY 2018 Adjustments to Base

Judges:

- Pay and benefit cost adjustments - 49 - 47 - 40 - 10,828

- Additional senior judges - - - - - - 82 11,738

- Increase in average number of filled Article III judges - - - - - 109 16,901

- Increase in average number of filled bankruptcy judges - - - - - - 18 2,608

- Payments to judiciary retirement trust funds - - - - - - - - Court Personnel

- Pay and benefit cost adjustments - 1,871 - 533 - 302 - 123,723

- Annualization of Defender Services positions added in FY 2017 - - - - - - 61 14,060

- Annualization of positions funded in fiscal year 2017 - - - - - - - -

- Panel attorney base decrease - - - - - - - (868)

- Transition from a CDO to a FPDO in the Western District of North Carolina - - - - - - 46 - Other Changes

- Funding necessary to maintain current services - - - - - - - 29,766

- Inflation (non-space-related) - 432 - 221 - 50 - 16,912

- Implementation of new DC water utility fees - 158 - - - - - -

- Vaccine Injury Trust Fund adjustment - - - - - - - 1,970

- Space related costs (includes inflation for space rental rates) - - - 91 - (158) - (17,852)

- Information technology requirements - - - - - - - 4,114

- Change in projected workload - - - - - - - 2,124

- Change in available jurors - - - - - - - 1,017

- FPS security service charges - - - - - 8 - 1,596

- FY 2018 court security officer wage adjustments - - - - - - - 9,738

- Annualization of court security officer positions (69) - - - - - - - 2,913

- Adjustments to base for security systems and equipment - - - - - - - (1,245)

- Evidence-based practices (non-recurring requirements) - - - - - - - (1,069)

 Subtotal, FY 2018 Adjustments to Base - 2,510 - 892 - 242 316 228,974

Total Adjustments to Base, Mandatory - 49 - 47 - 40 41 17,268

Total Adjustments to Base, Discretionary - 2,461 - 845 - 202 275 211,706

FY 2018 Adjusted Base 547 96,657 151 33,954 80 20,738 31,194 7,287,803

FY 2018 Program Increases

Judges:

- Magistrate judges and staff - - - - - - 4 653 Court Personnel and Programs:

- Two new positions for Supreme Court facilities 1 123 - - - - - -

- Web control technology system - 136 - - - - - -

- Replace steam convector valves - 116 - - - - - -

- Interior courtyard stone cleaning and restoration - (4,800)

- Electrical resiliency phase 1 - 5,250

- Additional national space reduction program projects - - - - - - - 10,000

- Thurgood Marshal Federal Judiciary Building façade - - - - - - - 10,000

- Non-capital panel attorney hourly rate increase ($135 to $141) - - - - - - - 1,843

- Cybersecurity requirements - - 1 299 - - - 3,490

- Information Technology requirements - - - - - - - 3,947

- Infrastructure for new courthouses - - - - - - - 8,849

- Increase to daily juror rate from $40 to $50 effective January 2018 - - - - - - - 5,115

- Physical access control systems (PACS) positions at USMS - - - - - - 3 510

- Facility Access Card (FAC) sustainment - - - - - - - 500

- Judicial Security Management and Reporting Tool replacement - - - - - - - 500

 Subtotal, FY 2018 Program Increases 1 825 1 299 - - 7 45,407

Total Program Increases, Mandatory - - - - - - - -

Total Program Increases, Discretionary 1 825 1 299 - - 7 45,407

Total Mandatory Increases - 49 - 47 - 40 41 17,268

Total Discretionary Increases 1 3,286 1 1,144 - 202 282 257,113 Total Increases Requested, FY 2018 1 3,335 1 1,191 - 242 323 274,381

Total Mandatory 9 2,660 12 3,001 9 2,074 1,813 423,178 Total Discretionary 539 94,822 140 31,252 71 18,664 29,388 6,910,032

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 548 97,482 152 34,253 80 20,738 31,201 7,333,210

Total 

FY 2018 Summary of Requested Changes
12

Administrative Fed. Judicial Sentencing Judicial Total Office Center Commission Retirement Funds Judiciary

FTE ($000) FTE ($000) FTE ($000) ($000) FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Assumed Appropriation Level - Mandatory - - - - - - 168,300 1,802 581,809

FY 2017 Assumed Appropriation Level - Discretionary 621 87,500 125 28,335 9 5 18,100 - 30,695 6,920,450

 FY 2017 Vaccine Injury Trust Fund - - - - - - - - 6,510

FY 2017 Available Appropriation 621 87,500 125 28,335 9 5 18,100 168,300 32,497 7,508,769

FY 2018 Adjustments to Base

Judges:

- Pay and benefit cost adjustments - - - - - - - - 10,964

- Additional senior judges - - - - - - - 8 2 11,738

- Increase in average number of filled Article III judges - - - - - - - 109 16,901

- Increase in average number of filled bankruptcy judges - - - - - - - 1 8 2,608

- Payments to judiciary retirement trust funds - - - - - - 26,700 - 26,700 Court Personnel

- Pay and benefit cost adjustments - 2,817 - 760 - 379 - - 130,385

- Annualization of Defender Services positions added in FY 2017 - - - - - - - 6 1 14,060

- Annualization of positions funded in fiscal year 2017 - - - - 1 113 - 1 113

- Panel attorney base decrease - - - - - - - - (868)

- Transition from a CDO to a FPDO in the Western District of North Carolina - - - - - - - 4 6 - Other Changes

- Funding necessary to maintain current services - - - - - - - - 29,766

- Inflation (non-space-related) - 106 - 170 - 107 - - 17,998

- Implementation of new DC water utility fees - - - - - - - - 158

- Vaccine Injury Trust Fund adjustment - - - - - - - - 1,970

- Space related costs (includes inflation for space rental rates) - - - - - - - - (17,919)

- Information technology requirements - - - - - - - - 4,114

- Change in projected workload - - - - - - - - 2,124

- Change in available jurors - - - - - - - - 1,017

- FPS security service charges - - - - - - - - 1,604

- FY 2018 court security officer wage adjustments - - - - - - - - 9,738

- Annualization of court security officer positions (69) - - - - - - - - 2,913

- Adjustments to base for security systems and equipment - - - - - - - - (1,245)

- Evidence-based practices (non-recurring requirements) - - - - - - - - (1,069)

 Subtotal, FY 2018 Adjustments to Base - 2,923 - 930 1 599 26,700 317 263,770

Total Adjustments to Base, Mandatory - - - - - - 26,700 4 1 44,104

Total Adjustments to Base, Discretionary - 2,923 - 930 1 599 - 276 219,666

FY 2018 Adjusted Base 621 90,423 125 29,265 9 6 18,699 195,000 32,814 7,772,539

FY 2018 Program Increases

Judges:

- Magistrate judges and staff - - - - - - - 4 653 Court Personnel and Programs:

- Two new positions for Supreme Court facilities - - - - - - - 1 123

- Web control technology system - - - - - - - - 136

- Replace steam convector valves - - - - - - - - 116

- Interior courtyard stone cleaning and restoration - - - - - - - - (4,800)

- Electrical resiliency phase 1 5,250

- Additional national space reduction program projects - - - - - - - - 10,000

- Thurgood Marshal Federal Judiciary Building façade - - - - - - - - 10,000

- Non-capital panel attorney hourly rate increase ($135 to $141) - - - - - - - - 1,843

- Cybersecurity requirements - - - - - - - 1 3,789

- Information Technology requirements - - - - - - - - 3,947

- Infrastructure for new courthouses - - - - - - - - 8,849

- Increase to daily juror rate from $40 to $50 effective January 2018 - - - - - - - - 5,115

- Physical access control systems (PACS) positions at USMS - - - - - - - 3 510

- Facility Access Card (FAC) sustainment - - - - - - - - 500

- Judicial Security Management and Reporting Tool replacement - - - - - - - - 500

 Subtotal, FY 2018 Program Increases - - - - - - - 9 46,531

Total Program Increases, Mandatory - - - - - - - - -

Total Program Increases, Discretionary - - - - - - - 9 46,531

Total Mandatory Increases - - - - - - 26,700 4 1 44,104

Total Discretionary Increases - 2,923 - 930 1 599 - 285 266,197 Total Increases Requested, FY 2018 - 2,923 - 930 1 599 26,700 326 310,301

Total Mandatory - - - - - - 195,000 1,843 625,913 Total Discretionary 621 90,423 125 29,265 9 6 18,699 - 30,980 7,193,157

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 621 90,423 125 29,265 9 6 18,699 195,000 32,823 7,819,070

FY 2018 Summary of Requested Changes
13

Salaries Defender Fees of Jurors and Court

and Expenses Services Commissioners Security CADCOJS

FTE ($000) FTE ($000) ($000) FTE ($000) FTEs ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation - Mandatory 1,772 405,910 - - - - - 1,772 405,910 FY 2017 Appropriation - Discretionary 26,163 4,996,445 2,873 1,044,647 39,929 7 0 565,388 29,106 6,646,409

 FY 2017 Vaccine Injury Trust Fund - 6,510 - - - - - - 6,510 FY 2017 Available Appropriation 27,935 5,408,865 2,873 1,044,647 39,929 7 0 565,388 30,878 7,058,829

FY 2018 Adjustments to Base

Judges:

- Pay and benefit cost adjustments - 10,828 - - - - - - 10,828

- Additional senior judges 8 2 11,738 - - - - - 8 2 11,738

- Increase in average number of filled Article III judges 109 16,901 - - - - - 109 16,901

- Increase in average number of filled bankruptcy judges 1 8 2,608 - - - - - 1 8 2,608 Court Personnel

- Pay and benefit cost adjustments - 99,167 - 24,229 - - 327 - 123,723

- Annualization of Defender Services positions added in FY 2017 - - 6 1 14,060 - - - 6 1 14,060

- Panel attorney base decrease - - - (868) - - - - (868)

- Transition from a CDO to a FPDO in the Western District of North Carolina - - 4 6 - - - - 4 6 - Other Changes

- Funding necessary to maintain current services - - - 25,350 4,416 - - - 29,766

- Inflation (non-space-related) - 13,221 - 2,991 467 - 233 - 16,912

- Vaccine Injury Trust Fund adjustment - 1,970 - - - - - - 1,970

- Space related costs (includes inflation for space rental rates) - (18,796) - 846 - - 9 8 - (17,852)

- Information technology requirements - 4,114 - - - - - - 4,114

- Change in projected workload - - - 2,124 - - - - 2,124

- Change in available jurors - - - - 1,017 - - - 1,017

- FPS security service charges - - - - - - 1,596 - 1,596

- FY 2018 court security officer wage adjustments - - - - - - 9,738 - 9,738

- Annualization of court security officer positions (69) - - - - - - 2,913 - 2,913

- Adjustments to base for security systems and equipment - - - - - - (1,245) - (1,245)

- Evidence-based practices (non-recurring requirements) - (1,069) - - - - - - (1,069)

 Subtotal, FY 2018 Adjustments to Base 209 140,682 107 68,732 5,900 - 13,660 316 228,974

Total Adjustments to Base, Mandatory 4 1 17,268 - - - - - 4 1 17,268 Total Adjustments to Base, Discretionary 168 123,414 107 68,732 5,900 - 13,660 275 211,706

FY 2018 Adjusted Base 28,144 5,549,547 2,980 1,113,379 45,829 7 0 579,048 31,194 7,287,803

FY 2018 Program Increases

Judges:

- Magistrate judges and staff 4 653 - - - - - 4 653 Court Personnel and Programs:

- Additional national space reduction program projects - 10,000 - - - - - - 10,000

- Thurgood Marshal Federal Judiciary Building façade - 10,000 - - - - - - 10,000

- Non-capital panel attorney hourly rate increase ($135 to $141) - - - 1,843 - - - - 1,843

- Cybersecurity requirements - - - 3,490 - - - - 3,490

- Information Technology requirements - - - 3,947 - - - - 3,947

- Infrastructure for new courthouses - 1,799 - - - - 7,050 - 8,849

- Increase to daily juror rate from $40 to $50 effective January 2018 - - - - 5,115 - - - 5,115

- Physical access control systems (PACS) positions at USMS - - - - - 3 510 3 510

- Facility Access Card (FAC) sustainment - - - - - - 500 - 500

- Judicial Security Management and Reporting Tool replacement - - - - - - 500 - 500

 Subtotal, FY 2018 Program Increases 4 22,452 - 9,280 5,115 3 8,560 7 45,407

Total Program Increases, Mandatory - - - - - - - - - Total Program Increases, Discretionary 4 22,452 - 9,280 5,115 3 8,560 7 45,407

Total Mandatory Increases 4 1 17,268 - - - - - 4 1 17,268 Total Discretionary Increases 172 145,866 107 78,012 11,015 3 22,220 282 257,113 Total Increases Requested, FY 2018 213 163,134 107 78,012 11,015 3 22,220 323 274,381

Total Mandatory 1,813 423,178 - - - - - 1,813 423,178 Total Discretionary 26,335 5,148,821 2,980 1,122,659 50,944 7 3 587,608 29,388 6,910,032

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 28,148 5,571,999 2,980 1,122,659 50,944 7 3 587,608 31,201 7,333,210

FY 2018 Summary of Requested Changes - Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services (CADCOJS) Details

Total 
14
15

FY 2018 Request

Summary by Appropriation
16
17

Supreme Court of the United States

Salaries and Expenses

FTE ($000) FTE ($000) FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation 9 2,611 488 76,668 497 79,279

Adjustments to Base - 4 9 - 2,001 - 2,050

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 9 2,660 488 78,669 497 81,329

FY 2018 Request

Mandatory Discretionary Total

The U.S. Supreme Court requests $81.3 million ($2.7 million for mandatory expenses 

and $78.7 million for discretionary expenses) in FY 2018 for the Salaries and Expenses 

account. 

The $78.7 million request for discretionary appropriations represents a 2.6 percent 

increase over the FY 2017 discretionary appropriation. This request reflects the 

necessary adjustments to base to maintain current services. The Court requests no 

program increases in FY 2018.

I. Mandatory Adjustments to Base

The FY 2018 request includes $49,000 for increases to standard pay and changes in 

benefits for the Chief Justice and the Associate Justices. 

II. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The Supreme Court requests a $2.0 million increase for discretionary expenses in 

FY 2018 for standard pay and other inflationary adjustments. 

III. Appropriations Language

Supreme Court of the United States 

Salaries and Expenses

For expenses necessary for the operation of the Supreme Court, as required by law, 

excluding care of the building and grounds, including hire of passenger motor vehicles 

as authorized by 31 U.S.C. 1343 and 1344; not to exceed $10,000 for official reception 

and representation expenses; and for miscellaneous expenses, to be expended as the 
18

Chief Justice may approve, [$76,668,000]$78,669,000, of which $1,500,000 shall remain 

available until expended.

In addition, there are appropriated such sums as may be necessary under current law 

for salaries of the chief justice and associate justices of the court.

(Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017)
19

Supreme Court of the United States

Care of the Building and Grounds

FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation 50 14,868

Adjustments to Base - 460

Program Increases 1 825

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 51 16,153

FY 2018 Request

Discretionary

The U.S. Supreme Court requests $16.2 million for its Care of the Building and Grounds 

account in FY 2018, a 8.6 percent increase over the FY 2017 appropriation.

The Architect of the Capitol provides for the structural and mechanical care of the 

United States Supreme Court Building and Grounds, including maintenance and 

operation of mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment. This request includes the 

necessary adjustments to base to maintain current services and program increases for 

two additional positions (1 FTE), parts and maintenance for the new Building 

Automation System (BAS), replacement of steam convector values, and the first phase 

of an initiative to upgrade the Court’s electrical systems and critical infrastructure.

I. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The Supreme Court requests an increase of $0.5 million consisting of $0.3 million for 

standard pay and other inflationary adjustments and $0.2 million for DC water utility 

fees.

II. Program Increases

The FY 2018 budget request for the Building and Grounds account includes $0.8 million 

for program increases.

1. Engineering Technician: $74,000 and 0.5 FTE

The Court requests $74,000 and 1 position (0.5 FTE) for the implementation, 

maintenance, and oversight of a building performance monitoring system that uses 
20

increased technology through the BAS, Direct Digital Controls (DDC), and Utility 

Metering. Increased technology in the BAS, DDC, and Utility Metering necessitates 

additional and unique skills. The BAS monitors building performance across all 

systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, and utility 

metering) to maintain building operational set points (temperature and relative 

humidity). The proposed position will have the necessary computer programming, 

trending, and analytical evaluation expertise. 

2. Direct digital controls specialist: $49,000 and 0.5 FTE

The Court requests $49,000 and 1 position (0.5 FTE) for a preventive maintenance 

program to perform troubleshooting and repair for the DDC equipment and 

software installed during the modernization. The proposed position will have the 

technical expertise to troubleshoot or restore and repair electronic sensing and 

control equipment in support of HVAC operations.

3. Web Control Technology System: $0.1 million

The Court requests $0.1 million for replacement parts, preventive maintenance and 

system integrity oversight for the new BAS. This will also fund the connection of 

additional equipment to the network that is not currently monitored.

4. Replace steam convector valves: $0.1 million

The Court requests $0.1 million for the replacement of the original 400 steam 

convectors, which are past their service life. This funding will replace 50 convectors 

per year on a cyclical basis and provide for annual maintenance and repair of 

components (gland seals, steam trap repair kits, control heads). The convectors, 

steam pipes and condensate lines are original building design/components and have 

not been modernized, overhauled or had any capital investments to the system since 

1932. 

5. Interior Courtyard Stone Cleaning and Restoration: -$4.8 million

The FY 2018 request includes a decrease of $4.8 million for non-recurring costs 

associated with the completion of stone cleaning and restoration work in the Court’s 

interior courtyard.
21

6. Electrical Resiliency Phase 1: $5.3 million

The Court requests $5.3 million for the first phase of a two year project to upgrade 

the Court’s electrical systems and other critical infrastructure. This project was 

necessitated by a series of recent unplanned electrical outages to the Court’s primary 

data center and telecommunications systems.

III. Appropriations Language

Supreme Court of the United States 

Care of the Building and Grounds

For such expenditures as may be necessary to enable the Architect of the Capitol to 

carry out the duties imposed upon the Architect by 40 U.S.C. 6111 and 6112, 

[$14,868,000]$16,153,000, to remain available until expended.

(Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017)
22
23

United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Salaries and Expenses

FTE ($000) FTE ($000) FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation 1 2 2,954 139 30,108 151 33,062

Adjustments to Base - 4 7 - 845 - 892

Program Increases - - 1 299 1 299

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 1 2 3,001 140 31,252 152 34,253

FY 2018 Request

Mandatory Discretionary Total

The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit requests $34.3 million ($3.0 million for 

mandatory expenses and $31.3 million for discretionary expenses) for FY 2018. 

The $31.3 million request for discretionary appropriations represents a 3.8 percent 

increase over the FY 2017 discretionary appropriation. This request includes the 

necessary adjustments to base to maintain current services and a program increase for 

cybersecurity requirements.

I. Mandatory Adjustments to Base

The FY 2018 request includes $47,000 for increases to standard pay and changes in 

benefits for judges. 

II. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The Court requests an increase of $0.8 million for standard pay and other inflationary 

adjustments.

III. Program Increases

The FY 2018 request includes $0.3 million and 1 FTE for cybersecurity requirements. 

The new cybersecurity position would be a cybersecurity/information security officer 

expert to support application and system security and enhance the court’s regular IT 

security posture.
24

IV. Appropriations Language

United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Salaries and Expenses

 

For salaries of officers and employees, and for necessary expenses of the court, as 

authorized by law, [$30,108,000]$31,252,000.

In addition, there are appropriated such sums as may be necessary under current law 

for the salaries of the chief judge and judges of the court.

(Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017)
25

United States Court of International Trade

Salaries and Expenses

FTE ($000) FTE ($000) FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation 9 2,034 7 1 18,462 8 0 20,496

Adjustments to Base - 4 0 - 202 - 242

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 9 2,074 7 1 18,664 8 0 20,738

FY 2018 Request

Mandatory Discretionary Total

The Court of International Trade requests $20.7 million ($2.1 million for mandatory 

expenses and $18.7 million for discretionary expenses) in FY 2018. 

The $18.7 million request for discretionary appropriations represents a 1.1 percent 

increase over the FY 2017 discretionary appropriation. This request reflects the 

necessary adjustments to base to maintain current services. The Court requests no 

program increases.

I. Mandatory Adjustments to Base

The FY 2018 request includes $40,000 for increases to standard pay and changes in 

benefits for judges. 

II. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The Court’s adjustments to base for FY 2018 total $0.2 million to provide for standard 

pay, other inflationary adjustments, and other court operating expenses.

III. Appropriations Language

United States Court of International Trade

Salaries and Expenses

For salaries of officers and employees of the court, services, and necessary expenses of 

the court, as authorized by law, [$18,462,000]$18,664,000.
26

In addition, there are appropriated such sums as may be necessary under current law 

for the salaries of the chief judge and judges of the court.

(Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017)
27

Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and 

Other Judicial Services

Salaries and Expenses

FTE ($000) FTE ($000) FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Salaries and Expenses Appropriation 1,772 405,910 26,163 4,996,445 27,935 5,402,355

Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund Appropriation - - - 6,510 - 6,510

 Total, FY 2017 Available Appropriation 1,772 405,910 26,163 5,002,955 27,935 5,408,865

Adjustments to Base 41 17,268 168 121,444 209 138,712

Adjustments to Base - Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund - - 1,970 - 1,970

 Total, Adjustmements to Base 41 17,268 168 123,414 209 140,682

Program Increases - - 4 22,452 4 22,452

 Total, Program Increases - - 4 22,452 4 22,452

FY 2018 Salaries and Expenses Appropriation 1,813 423,178 26,335 5,140,591 28,148 5,563,769

Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund Appropriation - - - 8,230 - 8,230

 Total, FY 2018 Appropriation Request 1,813 423,178 26,335 5,148,821 28,148 5,571,999

FY 2018 Request

Mandatory Discretionary Total

The Judicial Conference requests $5,572.0 million for the Salaries and Expenses account 

in FY 2018, including $423.2 million for mandatory expenses, $5,140.6 million for 

discretionary expenses, and $8.2 million from the Vaccine Injury Trust Fund. The 

FY 2018 total discretionary request of $5,148.8 million is a 2.9 percent increase over the 

FY 2017 discretionary appropriation. This request includes the necessary adjustments 

to base to maintain current services and continues progress on several major initiatives 

started in previous fiscal years, including the judiciary’s space reduction initiative. 

Additionally, the request includes program increases associated with one new

magistrate judgeship, infrastructure costs associated with new courthouse construction 

projects funded by Congress in FY 2016, and emergency repairs to the Thurgood 

Marshall Federal Judiciary Building façade to address serious safety issues.

This account provides for the operating expenses of the 12 regional circuit courts of 

appeals, district courts, bankruptcy courts, and probation and pretrial services offices. 

This account utilizes other funding sources, including current year fee collections and 

prior year carryforward balances, to offset the need for appropriated funds. The 

judiciary currently projects that these sources of non-appropriated funds will total 

$354.4 million in FY 2018, $67.8 million below the FY 2017 estimated level of $422.2

million.
28

I. Mandatory Adjustments to Base

The FY 2018 request includes $17.3 million for mandatory increases for Article III and 

bankruptcy judges as follows: 

1. Pay and benefit cost adjustment for Article III and bankruptcy judges: 

$7.9 million

An increase of $7.9 million will provide for expected changes in pay and benefit 

rates for Article III and bankruptcy judges, including the annualization of the 

January 2017 pay adjustment, an estimated 1.9 percent pay adjustment in

January 2018, and changes in benefits costs.

2. Increase in the number of senior judges: $4.3 million and 19 FTE

An increase of $4.3 million will provide for an additional 19 senior judges

anticipated in FY 2018.

3. Increase in average number of filled Article III judgeships: $4.2 million and 

18 FTE

An increase of $4.2 million will provide for an additional 18 filled Article III 

judgeships anticipated in FY 2018 based on a projected 40 confirmations in 

FY 2018.

4. Increase in average number of filled bankruptcy judgeships: $0.8 million and 

4 FTE

An increase of $0.8 million will provide for an additional 4 filled bankruptcy 

judgeships anticipated in FY 2018.

II. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The FY 2018 request includes a net increase of $123.4 million for discretionary

adjustments to base. This consists of $139.2 million for standard pay, and other 

inflationary increases, and $4.1 million for ongoing information technology

requirements, partially offset by a net decrease of $18.8 million for space-related 

adjustments and a decrease of $1.1 million for non-recurring Evidence-Based Practices 

requirements in the probations and pretrial services program.
29

1. Pay and benefit cost adjustment for magistrate and claims court judges: 

$2.9 million

An increase of $2.9 million will provide for expected changes in pay and benefit 

rates for magistrate and claims judges, including the annualization of the January 

2017 pay adjustments and an estimated 1.9 percent pay adjustment in January 

2018.

2. Increase in the number of senior judges' staff: $7.4 million and 63 FTE

An increase of $7.4 million will provide for an additional 63 staff FTE to support

an additional 19 senior judges anticipated in FY 2018.

3. Increase in average number of filled Article III judgeships: $12.7 million and 

91 FTE

An increase of $12.7 million will provide for an additional 91 staff FTE to support 

an additional 18 filled Article III judgeships anticipated in FY 2018. 

4. Increase in average number of filled bankruptcy judgeships: $1.8 million and 

14 FTE

An increase of $1.8 million will provide for an additional 14 staff FTE to support 

an additional 4 filled bankruptcy judgeships anticipated in FY 2018. 

5. Pay and benefit adjustments for court personnel: $99.2 million

An increase of $99.2 million will provide for the annualization of the January 

2017 pay adjustment, an estimated 1.9 percent pay adjustment in January 2018, 

within-grade increases, and changes in benefits rates.

6. Non-pay inflationary and contractual increases: $13.2 million

An increase of $13.2 million is requested for a 2.0 percent general inflationary 

increase and other contractual and miscellaneous increases.
30

7. Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund: $2.0 million

Due to an increased caseload, the FY 2018 level reflects an increase of $2.0 million 

for additional personnel and related costs, as well as for standard pay and nonpay inflationary adjustments for the Vaccine Injury program.

8. GSA space rental and related expenses: -$18.8 million

The FY 2018 request includes a net decrease of $18.8 for General Services 

Administration (GSA) space rental and related expenses consisting of:

a) the annualization of new space delivered in FY 2017 (+$5.2 million), 

b) adjustments to GSA space rental base costs (+$20.8 million),

c) new space projected to be delivered by GSA in FY 2018 (+$1.1 million),

d) rent savings due to a new GSA pricing policy for tenant floor cuts 

(-$19.0 million), and

e) a net reduction associated with other space-related adjustments 

(-$26.9 million).

9. Evidence-Based Practices non-recurring requirements: -$1.1 million

The FY 2018 request includes a decrease of $1.1 million for non-recurring costs 

associated with contracts for the development of new treatment curricula as part 

of the Evidence-Based Practices program.

10. Information technology requirements: $4.1 million

An increase of $4.1 million is requested for the IT program to support current 

operations, as well as upgrades and enhancements to the judiciary’s integrated 

financial management, human resources, rent and property management 

systems; telecommunications; case management systems; and cybersecurity 

capabilities; and infrastructure support for national IT applications.

III. Program Increases

The FY 2018 request includes $22.5 million for program increases. These increases 

include:
31

1. New FY 2018 full-time magistrate judge and staff: $0.7 million and 4 FTE

The judiciary requests an additional $0.7 million for conversion to full-time of 

one part-time magistrate judge (1 FTE), as well as three support staff (3 FTE), and 

associated operating costs for Williamsport, PA. 

2. Additional National Space Reduction Program projects: $10.0 million

The FY 2018 request includes an increase of $10.0 million to fund one-time costs 

for construction, scanning and reducing hard copy files, and furniture 

requirements to implement space reduction projects. 

 

3. Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building (TMFJB) Façade: $10.0 million

The Architect of the Capitol recently determined that the entire façade of the 

TMFJB requires repairs and/or replacement due to construction flaws that 

present a safety risk. Initial cost estimates for the project are approximately 

$36.0 million. The FY 2018 request includes $10.0 million for Phase 2 of the 

project. Phase 1 includes development of a protection plan for the entire 

building and removal of all stone panels from the main entry plaza. Phase 1 will 

also provide additional information on the condition of some of the 

larger/thicker panels and will determine the full extent of the façade stone that 

will require replacement. Using the results of Phase 1, Phase 2 will begin the 

removal and reinstallation of stone on the next section of the building.

4. Infrastructure costs for new courthouse construction projects: $1.8 million

 

The $1.8 million increase consists of $1.7 million for telecommunications 

associated with new courthouse construction projects in Charlotte, NC;

Greenville, SC; and Savannah, GA; and $0.1 million in non-recurring costs for 

swing space for the Savannah, GA, annex project. 

IV. Appropriations Language

Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services 

Salaries and Expenses

For the salaries of judges of the United States Court of Federal Claims, magistrate 

judges, and all other officers and employees of the Federal Judiciary not otherwise 

specifically provided for, necessary expenses of the courts, and the purchase, rental, 
32

repair, and cleaning of uniforms for Probation and Pretrial Services Office staff, as 

authorized by law, [$4,996,445,000]$5,140,591,000 (including the purchase of firearms 

and ammunition); of which not to exceed $27,817,000 shall remain available until 

expended for space alteration projects and for furniture and furnishings related to new 

space alteration and construction projects.

In addition, there are appropriated such sums as may be necessary under current law 

for the salaries of circuit and district judges (including judges of the territorial courts of 

the United States), bankruptcy judges, and justices and judges retired from office or 

from regular active service. 

In addition, for expenses of the United States Court of Federal Claims associated with 

processing cases under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (Public Law 

99-660), not to exceed [$6,510,000]$8,230,000, to be appropriated from the Vaccine Injury 

Compensation Trust Fund. 

(Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017)

V. Judiciary Workload Factors

VI. Other Sources of Funding for the Judiciary

Explanation of Other Funding Sources

In addition to appropriated funds, each year the judiciary uses other non-appropriated 

funds to offset its appropriation requirement. Fee collections, primarily from court 

WORKLOAD FACTOR

12 months 

ending June 

30, 2011 

Actual

12 months 

ending June 

30, 2012 

Actual

12 months 

ending June 

30, 2013 

Actual

12 months 

ending June 

30, 2014 

Actual

12 months 

ending June 

30, 2015 

Actual

12 months 

ending June 

30, 2016 

Actual

12 months 

ending June 

30, 2017 

Projected

Criminal Filings 78,764 73,455 69,642 64,027 60,866 61,021 58,500

Year to Year Change 1 % -7% -5% -8% -5% 0 % -4%

Criminal Defendants Filed 102,605 96,915 91,812 84,017 79,154 79,968 74,900

Year to Year Change 3 % -6% -5% -9% -6% 1 % -6%

Probation: Persons Under Supervision 129,319 132,785 132,362 132,597 133,428 137,882 780,200

Year to Year Change 2 % 3 % 0 % 0 % 1 % 3 % -5%

Pretrial Services: Cases Activated 107,197 105,852 102,457 98,122 90,588 88,140 52,300

Year to Year Change -3% -1% -3% -4% -8% -3% -13%

Bankruptcy Filings 1,529,560 1,311,602 1,137,978 1,000,083 879,736 819,159 276,900

Year to Year Change -3% -14% -13% -12% -12% -7% -5%

Appellate Filings 55,353 57,699 56,360 55,260 53,032 60,099 137,200

Year to Year Change -1% 4 % -2% -2% -4% 13% 0 %

Civil Filings 289,630 286,232 283,087 298,713 280,037 290,430 83,900

Year to Year Change 2 % -1% -1% 6 % -6% 4 % -5%
33

filing fees, comprise the majority of these sources of funds. These funds are used to 

offset expenses within the Salaries and Expenses account.

“Unencumbered” Funds

In addition to fee collections, in certain instances the judiciary may carryforward funds 

from one year to the next. These carryforward funds are considered “unencumbered” 

when they are generated by savings in the financial plan in base areas or where

budgeted costs did not materialize, such as variations in Article III judge confirmations 

or space delivery dates. These savings are usually unforeseen and uncontrollable by the 

judiciary.

Recognizing that savings in the financial plan tend to occur each year, but at 

unpredictable levels, the judiciary has tried to estimate the level of unencumbered 

funds that will be available to offset FY 2018 requirements. As the table below

indicates, the judiciary has estimated that unencumbered funds will total $354.4 million 

in FY 2018, including $204.4 million in fee collections and $150.0 million in other 

unencumbered carryforward. This level of unencumbered funds represents a decrease 

of $67.8 million from the $422.2 million estimated in FY 2017 to help finance court 

operations. The judiciary will not request appropriated funds to replace the $67.8

million, and will instead reduce base requirements in FY 2018.

The judiciary’s estimates for non-appropriated funds typically fluctuate during the 

fiscal year. Administrative Office staff will update the appropriations subcommittee 

staffs on changes in non-appropriated funding levels during FY 2017.

Sources of Non-Appropriated Unencumbered Funds

in Salaries and Expenses

($000)

Fee Collections 204,614 204,375 (239)

Other Carryforward 217,600 150,000 (67,600)

Total, Non-Appropriated 

Sources of Funding, 

Excluding Encumbered 

Funds

422,214 354,375 (67,839)

Dollars in Thousands FY 2017 

Estimated

FY 2018 

Request Difference
34

“Encumbered” Funds

Carryforward funds are considered “encumbered” when both the funds and the 

associated need for the funds shift to the next year. The judiciary has no-year authority 

for specific purposes for multiyear IT investments and new space-related requirements. 

In some cases, as was described above, this authority is used to carry forward savings 

where planned expenses did not occur. This authority is also used when planned 

expenses are delayed, or slipped, from one year to the next. In FY 2017, $160.1 million 

was slipped from FY 2016. 

These “encumbered” funds, while adding to the judiciary’s projected obligations in a 

given fiscal year, do not impact the judiciary’s appropriations requirement. Even if the 

total amount fluctuates from year to year, the funds associated with the specific project 

are brought forward from the prior year to fund the project, resulting in no additional 

appropriation requirements.
35

Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and

Other Judicial Services

Defender Services

FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation 2,873 1,044,647

Adjustments to Base 107 68,732

Program Increases - 9,280

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 2,980 1,122,659

FY 2018 Request

Discretionary

The judiciary requests $1,122.7 million for Defender Services in FY 2018, a 7.5 percent 

increase over the FY 2017 discretionary appropriation. This request reflects the 

necessary adjustments to base to maintain current services, as well as program increases 

to fund cybersecurity requirements, information technology requirements, and a $6 per 

hour increase above inflation to the non-capital panel attorney hourly rate.

This funding supports the provision of constitutionally-mandated legal representation 

and other services to persons financially unable to obtain counsel in criminal and 

related matters in federal court. The CJA provides that courts shall appoint counsel 

from federal public and community defender organizations or from a panel of private 

attorneys established by the court.

I. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

An increase of $68.7 million is requested for adjustments to base for pay and 

inflationary increases, as well as for adjustments that will allow the judiciary to meet its 

constitutional obligation to provide defense counsel to all eligible persons in FY 2018. 

In broad categories, these increases include:

1. Pay and benefit adjustments, federal defender organizations, and program 

administration: $24.2 million

An increase of $24.2 million will provide for the annualization of the January 

2017 pay adjustment, an estimated 1.9 percent pay adjustment in January 2018, 

within-grade increases, changes in benefits rates, and cost-of-living rate increases 

for panel attorneys.
36

2. Other inflationary increases: $3.8 million

An increase of $3.8 million is required for inflationary adjustments for all nonpay categories, as well as for space rental costs.

3. Annualization of new FDO positions added in FY 2017: $11.8 million and 

50 FTEs

The requested increase will annualize costs for 100 additional federal defender 

organization (FDO) positions (50 FTE) and the 27 staff expected to be added by 

community defender organizations (CDOs) in FY 2017. Staff were added to 

continue the implementation of the FDO staffing formulas that were developed 

and approved by the Judicial Conference in FY 2015 and first used in the FY 2016 

financial plan. 

4. Annualization of new national positions and CJA panel management positions 

added in FY 2017: $2.2 million and 11 FTEs

The requested increase will annualize costs for 9 national positions and 14 

Criminal Justice Act panel management positions added in FY 2017. These 

positions are not covered by the FDO staffing formulas and are budgeted for 

separately.

5. Change in projected workload: $2.1 million

The requested increase represents additional costs associated with FDO contracts 

and needed training for FDO staff. This consists of $0.6 million for contracts for 

regional habeas assistance and training counsel, $1.1 million for contracts for 

coordinating discovery attorneys for complex cases, and $0.4 million for training 

to meet current requirements for both panel attorneys and FDO staff.

6. Panel attorney base decrease: -$0.9 million

The requested decrease represents a change in panel attorney payment 

requirements.

7. Transition from a Community Defender Organization to a Federal Public 

Defender Organization in the Western District of North Carolina: $0 and 

46 FTEs
37

The requested increase in FTE is associated with the transition from a CDO in the

Western District of North Carolina to a Federal Public Defender Organization

(FPDO). No additional funds are requested with the transition as base funds 

previously associated with the CDO are already available to support this new 

organization. An increase in FTE is necessary to reflect that personnel at the new 

FPDO are federal employees, unlike the private nonprofit employees who staff 

CDOs. 

8. Increase in appropriations needed to fund current services: $25.4 million

In FY 2017, $60.4 million in balances from FY 2016 were available to finance 

FY 2017 requirements. In FY 2018, the judiciary expects $35 million in nonappropriated funds to be available, a decrease of $25.4 million from FY 2017. 

Therefore, the judiciary requests $25.4 million in appropriations to replace this 

funding.

II. Program Increases

1. Non-capital panel attorney hourly rate increase: $1.8 million

The requested funding supports a $6 hourly rate increase above the cost-of-living 

adjustment (COLA), from $135 to $141 per hour, for non-capital panel attorney

cases in FY 2018 (the maximum rate authorized in statute is $147 per hour). The 

$6 above COLA rate increase is needed to ensure that courts retain and recruit 

qualified and experienced criminal defense practitioners for their CJA panels. 

The annualization of the $6 increase is $15.2 million in FY 2019.

2. Cybersecurity requirements: $3.5 million

The judiciary requests $3.5 million in FY 2018 for cybersecurity requirements for 

securing the Defender Services network. The requirements address six 

cybersecurity controls: 

1) network security and continuous monitoring, 

2) cyber incident preparedness, 

3) endpoint security, 

4) authentication and privileged access management, 

5) cybersecurity training, and 

6) cybersecurity personnel expansion.
38

Planned cybersecurity enhancements include web-based threat protection, 

firewall training, and password manager software. 

3. Information technology requirements: $3.9 million

The judiciary requests $3.9 million in FY 2018 to support defender services 

information technology requirements, which can be divided into three major 

categories:

1) application development to support work measurement ($2.0 million), 

2) e-mail replacement ($1.0 million), and 

3) infrastructure improvements ($0.9 million).

III. Appropriations Language

Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services 

Defender Services

For the operation of Federal Defender organizations; the compensation and 

reimbursement of expenses of attorneys appointed to represent persons under 18 U.S.C. 

3006A and 3599, and for the compensation and reimbursement of expenses of persons 

furnishing investigative, expert, and other services for such representations as 

authorized by law; the compensation (in accordance with the maximums under 18 

U.S.C. 3006A) and reimbursement of expenses of attorneys appointed to assist the court 

in criminal cases where the defendant has waived representation by counsel; the 

compensation and reimbursement of expenses of attorneys appointed to represent 

jurors in civil actions for the protection of their employment, as authorized by 28 U.S.C. 

1875(d)(1); the compensation and reimbursement of expenses of attorneys appointed 

under 18 U.S.C. 983(b)(1) in connection with certain judicial civil forfeiture proceedings; 

the compensation and reimbursement of travel expenses of guardians ad litem 

appointed under 18 U.S.C. 4100(b); and for necessary training and general 

administrative expenses, [$1,044,647,000]$1,122,659,000, to remain available until 

expended.

(Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017)
39

Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and 

Other Judicial Services

Fees of Jurors and Commissioners

FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation - 39,929

Adjustments to Base - 5,900

Program Increases - 5,115

FY 2018 Appropriation Request - 50,944

FY 2018 Request

Discretionary

The judiciary requests $50.9 million for Fees of Jurors and Commissioners in FY 2018, a 

27.6 percent increase over the FY 2017 discretionary appropriation. This request reflects 

the necessary adjustments to base to maintain current services as well as an increase to 

the daily juror attendance fee.

Costs associated with this account may be unpredictable and are driven by the number 

of jury trials, the length of those trials, and statutory rates for reimbursement paid to 

jurors.

I. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The FY 2018 request includes an increase of $5.9 million in adjustments to base

associated with inflationary adjustments, projected changes in juror days, and an 

anticipated decrease in available non-appropriated funds. This will allow the account 

to continue to pay for the statutory fees and expenses of grand and petit jurors and 

compensation of land commissioners in FY 2018. These adjustments include:

1. Inflationary adjustments: $0.5 million

In addition to attendance fees, jurors also are reimbursed for certain expenses,

including meals and lodging for sequestered jurors and transportation of juries 

to view evidence or crime scenes. Inflationary increases associated with these 

expenses are expected to total $0.2 million for grand jurors and $0.3 million for 

petit jurors in FY 2018.
40

2. Projected change in juror days: $1.0 million

Overall expenses for grand and petit jurors are expected to increase by a net 

$1.0 million in FY 2018 based on the projected number of available grand and 

petit jurors.

3. Increase in appropriations needed to fund current services: $4.4 million

The FY 2017 financial plan for this account was financed in part by $5.4 million in 

carryforward balances from FY 2016. The Judiciary has estimated that only 

$1.0 million in carryforward balances from FY 2017 will be available to finance 

FY 2018 requirements, a decrease of $4.4 million. Therefore, the FY 2018 request 

includes $4.4 million in appropriated funds to replace this funding.

II. Program Increases

1. Increase to the daily juror attendance fee from $40 to $50: $5.1 million

An increase of $5.1 million is requested to increase the daily juror attendance fee 

by $10 (from $40 to $50) for grand and petit jurors, effective January 2018, to 

compensate jurors more adequately for their service. Although inflation and the 

cost of living have increased each year, the juror fee has not been increased since 

December 1990. If inflationary increases had been applied since 1990, the daily 

rate would be $76 in 2017, $36 above the current $40 rate. A higher attendance fee 

that more closely tracks to inflation will help to offset some of the financial 

burden imposed by jury service, particularly on the approximately 40 percent of 

private sector workers who receive no pay from their employers while on jury 

duty. In addition, social science data suggest that higher juror compensation 

producers fewer jurors seeking and receiving excuses from service, which in turn 

increases the efficiency of juror utilization and results in the empanelment of 

more representative juries.

III. Appropriations Language

Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services 

Fees of Jurors and Commissioners

For fees and expenses of jurors as authorized by 28 U.S.C. 1871 and 1876; compensation 

of jury commissioners as authorized by 28 U.S.C. 1863; and compensation of 
41

commissioners appointed in condemnation cases pursuant to rule 71.1(h) of the Federal 

Rules of Civil Procedure (28 U.S.C. Appendix Rule 71.1(h)), [$39,929,000]$50,944,000, to 

remain available until expended: Provided, That the compensation of land 

commissioners shall not exceed the daily equivalent of the highest rate payable under 5 

U.S.C. 5332.

(Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017)
42
43

Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and 

Other Judicial Services

Court Security

FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation 7 0 565,388

Adjustments to Base - 13,660

Program Increases 3 8,560

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 7 3 587,608

Discretionary

FY 2018 Request

The Judicial Conference requests $587.6 million for Court Security in FY 2018, a 

3.9 percent increase over the FY 2017 discretionary appropriation. This request reflects 

the necessary adjustments to base to maintain current services, as well as increases for 

security infrastructure for new courthouses, five new Physical Access Control Systems 

positions, Facility Access Card sustainment, and Judicial Security Management and 

Reporting Tool replacement.

The majority of the funding in this account is transferred to the U.S. Marshals Service 

(USMS), which is responsible for administering the Judicial Facility Security Program. 

I. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The Court Security account requests $13.7 million for adjustments to base for pay, 

inflationary increases, and other adjustments to maintain current services in FY 2018. In 

broad categories, these adjustments include:

1. Pay and benefit increase: $0.3 million

The increase accounts for the annualization of the January 2017 pay adjustment, 

an estimated 1.9 percent pay adjustment in January 2018, within-grade increases, 

and changes in benefits rates.

2. Annualization of new Court Security Officer (CSO) positions in FY 2017: 

$2.9 million
44

Funding is required to annualize costs for 69 additional CSOs expected to be 

brought on-board in FY 2017, representing the second year of a multi-year 

implementation of the new CSO staffing standards.

3. FY 2018 CSO contract and wage rate adjustments: $9.7 million

This increase provides for an average 3.0 percent wage adjustment for contract 

court security officers, as established by the Department of Labor and based on 

collective bargaining agreements.

4. Non-pay inflationary and GSA space rental increases: $0.3 million

The requested increase of $0.3 million consists of $0.2 million for a general 

inflationary increase for travel, supplies, equipment, and other contractual 

services (exclusive of Court Security Officers contracts) and $0.1 million for an 

inflationary increase and adjustments in the cost of GSA space rental charges for 

FY 2018.

5. Changes in Federal Protective Service security charges: $1.6 million

The requested increase of $1.6 million will fund basic and building-specific 

security expenses based on anticipated billings from the Department of 

Homeland Security Federal Protective Service (FPS). This brings the total request 

for FPS charges to $84.2 million in FY 2018, which is a 1.9 percent increase over 

the $82.6 million projected for FY 2017.

($000) FY 2017 FY 2018 Difference

Basic 33,161 32,967 (194)

Building-Specific 49,456 51,246 1,790

Total FPS 82,617 84,213 1,596

6. Adjustments to base for security systems and equipment: -$1.2 million

The requested amount reflects a net decrease of $1.2 million in the court security 

systems and equipment acquisition plan. This includes $8.4 million in increases 

for physical access control systems; cyclical replacement of screening equipment; 

and maintenance contracts for existing security systems. An offsetting decrease 

of $9.6 million is for additional and replacement equipment; security systems for 

renovated facilities; GSA installation and alterations; perimeter security 

improvements; and miscellaneous systems and equipment.
45

II. Program Increases

1. Infrastructure for new courthouses: $7.1 million

The FY 2018 request includes approximately $7.1 million for new security 

systems and screening equipment at the new courthouse annexes planned for 

Charlotte, North Carolina ($3.1 million), and Savannah, Georgia ($1.6 million), 

and a new courthouse planned for Greenville, South Carolina ($2.4 million). 

2. Physical access control (PACS) positions at USMS: $0.5 million and 3 FTEs

A critical component of the judiciary’s PACS strategy is increasing the USMS’s 

dedicated PACS staff. The lack of staff resources has affected the USMS’s ability 

to provide adequate oversight and support to administer the program. The 

judiciary requests $0.5 million and five new positions (3 FTEs) at the USMS to 

support the PACS program. This request for additional funding will provide the 

USMS with the resources for adequate oversight of the current PACS program,

as well as expand the number of PACS projects that can be initiated each year. 

3. Facility Access Card (FAC) sustainment: $0.5 million

The FAC project is the judiciary’s version of HSPD-12, which developed 

standards for a secure and reliable form of identification (also known as “smart 

cards”) for federal government employees and contractors. 

The FY 2017 base includes $1.5 million in recurring, annual funding to move the 

FAC project into an ongoing sustainment phase. A total of $2.0 million in annual 

funding will be required for the FAC project sustainment in FY 2018, based on 

revised cost estimates. Therefore, the judiciary requests an additional $0.5 

million for FAC sustainment to reach the revised total in FY 2018. 

4. Judicial Security Management and Reporting Tool (JSMART) replacement: 

$0.5 million

JSMART, a module of the USMS Justice Detainee Information System (JDIS),

stores and analyzes CSO and security systems and equipment data on every 

USMS-supported court facility nationwide. The USMS is currently engaged in 

an agency-wide information technology enhancement that will replace JDIS with 

a new system and will no longer maintain JSMART, so a replacement must be 
46

developed. The USMS’s initial cost projection for replacing the existing JDIS

platform and JSMART functionality is approximately $6.3 million.

The FY 2017 base includes $1.0 million in funding to define system requirements 

and conduct system development planning. For FY 2018, the judiciary requests 

an additional $0.5 million, for a total of $1.5 million, to begin building JSMART 

into the USMS’s overall IT system modernization project. 

III. Appropriations Language

Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services 

Court Security

(Including Transfers of Funds)

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, incident to the provision of 

protective guard services for United States courthouses and other facilities housing 

Federal court operations, and the procurement, installation, and maintenance of 

security systems and equipment for United States courthouses and other facilities 

housing Federal court operations, including building ingress-egress control, inspection 

of mail and packages, directed security patrols, perimeter security, basic security 

services provided by the Federal Protective Service, and other similar activities as 

authorized by section 1010 of the Judicial Improvement and Access to Justice Act 

(Public Law 100-702), [$565,388,000]$587,608,000, of which not to exceed $20,000,000

shall remain available until expended, to be expended directly or transferred to the 

United States Marshals Service, which shall be responsible for administering the 

Judicial Facility Security Program consistent with standards or guidelines agreed to by 

the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and the Attorney 

General.

(Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017)
47

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

Salaries and Expenses

FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation 621 87,500

Adjustments to Base - 2,923

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 621 90,423

Discretionary

FY 2018 Request

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) requests $90.4 million in FY 2018, a 

3.3 percent increase over the FY 2017 discretionary appropriation. This request reflects 

the necessary adjustments to base to maintain current services. The AO requests no

program increases.

In addition to the appropriation provided by Congress, the AO receives nonappropriated funds from sources such as fee collections and carryover balances to offset 

its appropriation requirements. The AO also receives reimbursements from other 

judiciary accounts for information technology development and services that are in 

direct support of the courts, the court security program, and defender services. 

I. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The AO requests $2.9 million in adjustments to base in FY 2018 for increases to standard 

pay and other inflationary adjustments.

II. Appropriations Language

Administrative Office of the United States Courts

Salaries and Expenses

For necessary expenses of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts as 

authorized by law, including travel as authorized by 31 U.S.C. 1345, hire of a passenger 

motor vehicle as authorized by 31 U.S.C. 1343(b), advertising and rent in the District of 

Columbia and elsewhere, [$87,500,000]$90,423,000, of which not to exceed $8,500 is 

authorized for official reception and representation expenses.

(Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017)
48
49

Federal Judicial Center

Salaries and Expenses

FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation 125 28,335

Adjustments to Base - 930

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 125 29,265

FY 2018 Request

Discretionary

The Federal Judicial Center (FJC) requests $29.3 million in FY 2018, a 3.3 percent 

increase over the FY 2017 discretionary appropriation. This request reflects the 

necessary adjustments to base to maintain current services. The FJC requests no 

program increases.

The FJC, which is the research and education arm of the Third Branch, provides judges 

and other judiciary personnel with education and training on legal developments and 

efficient litigation management and court administration. As such, its workload is 

derived in large part by the population of the courts. 

I. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The Federal Judicial Center requests $0.9 million in adjustments to base for increases to 

standard pay and other inflationary adjustments. 

II. Appropriations Language

Federal Judicial Center

Salaries and Expenses

For necessary expenses of the Federal Judicial Center, as authorized by Public Law 90-

219, [$28,335,000]$29,265,000; of which $1,800,000 shall remain available until 

September 30, [2018]2019, to provide education and training to Federal court personnel; 

and of which not to exceed $1,500 is authorized for official reception and representation 

expenses.

(Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017)
50
51

United States Sentencing Commission

Salaries and Expenses

FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation 95 18,100

Adjustments to Base 1 599

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 96 18,699

FY 2018 Request

Discretionary

The U.S. Sentencing Commission requests $18.7 million in FY 2018, a 3.3 percent 

increase over the FY 2017 discretionary appropriation. This request reflects the 

necessary adjustments to base to maintain current services. The Commission requests 

no program increases.

The Commission’s duties are to review and revise the sentencing guidelines regularly, 

collect data from federal sentencing courts, analyze these data to provide meaningful 

information on federal sentencing practices, and provide extensive training to guideline 

users 

I. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The Commission requests $0.6 million in adjustments to base in FY 2018. This includes 

$0.5 million for increases to standard pay and other inflationary adjustments, and an 

increase of $0.1 million for annualizing 3 staff (1 FTE) initially funded in FY 2017. 

II. Appropriations Language

United States Sentencing Commission

Salaries and Expenses

For the salaries and expenses necessary to carry out the provisions of chapter 58 of title 

28, United States Code, [$18,100,000]$18,699,000, of which not to exceed $1,000 is 

authorized for official reception and representation expenses.

(Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017)
52
53

Title III Administrative Provisions – The Judiciary

SEC. 301. Appropriations and authorizations made in this title which are 

available for salaries and expenses shall be available for services as authorized by 5 

U.S.C. 3109.

SEC. 302. Not to exceed 5 percent of any appropriation made available for the 

current fiscal year for the Judiciary in this Act may be transferred between such 

appropriations, but no such appropriation, except ‘‘Courts of Appeals, District Courts, 

and Other Judicial Services, Defender Services’’ and ‘‘Courts of Appeals, District 

Courts, and Other Judicial Services, Fees of Jurors and Commissioners’’, shall be 

increased by more than 10 percent by any such transfers: Provided, That any transfer 

pursuant to this section shall be treated as a reprogramming of funds under sections 604 

and 608 of this Act and shall not be available for obligation or expenditure except in 

compliance with the procedures set forth in section 608.

SEC. 303. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the salaries and expenses 

appropriation for ‘‘Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services’’ shall 

be available for official reception and representation expenses of the Judicial Conference 

of the United States: Provided, That such available funds shall not exceed $11,000 and 

shall be administered by the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States 

Courts in the capacity as Secretary of the Judicial Conference.

SEC. 304. Section [3314(a)]3315(a) of title 40, United States Code, shall be applied 

by substituting ‘‘Federal’’ for ‘‘executive’’ each place it appears.

SEC. 305. In accordance with 28 U.S.C. 561–569, and notwithstanding any other 

provision of law, the United States Marshals Service shall provide, for such courthouses 

as its Director may designate in consultation with the Director of the Administrative 

Office of the United States Courts, for purposes of a pilot program, the security services 

that 40 U.S.C. 1315 authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to provide, except 

for the services specified in 40 U.S.C. 1315(b)(2)(E). For building-specific security 

services at these courthouses, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United 

States Courts shall reimburse the United States Marshals Service rather than the 

Department of Homeland Security.

SEC. 306. (a) Section 203(c) of the Judicial Improvements Act of 1990 (Public Law 

101–650; 28 U.S.C. 133 note), is amended in the second sentence (relating to the District 

of 
54

Kansas) following paragraph (12), by striking ‘‘[25]26 years and 6 months’’ and 

inserting ‘‘[26]27 years and 6 months’’.

(b) Section 406 of the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban 

Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies 

Appropriations Act, 2006 (Public Law 109–115; 119 Stat. 2470; 28 U.S.C. 133 note) is 

amended in the second sentence (relating to the eastern District of Missouri) by striking 

‘‘[23]24 years and 6 months’’ and inserting ‘‘[24]25 years and 6 months’’.

(c) Section 312(c)(2) of the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations 

Authorization Act (Public Law 107-273; 28 U.S.C. 133 note), is amended—

 (1) in the first sentence by inserting after “except in the case of” the following: 

“the northern district of Alabama,”;

 (2) in the first sentence by inserting after “the central district of California” the 

following: “,”;

 [(1)](3) in the first sentence by striking “[14]15 years” and inserting 

“[15]16 years”;

 (4) by adding at the end of the first sentence the following: “The first vacancy in 

the office of district judge in the district of Alabama occurring 15 years or more after 

the confirmation date of the judge named to fill the temporary district judgeship 

created in that district by this subsection, shall not be filled.”;

[(2)](5) in the [second] third sentence (relating to the central District of 

California), by striking “[13]14 years and 6 months” and inserting “[14]15

years and 6 months”; and

 [(3)](6) in the [third] fourth sentence (relating to the western district of 

North Carolina), by striking “[12]13 years” and inserting “[13]14 years”.

[SEC. 307. (a) Section 2(a)(2)(A) of the Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships 

Extension Act of 2012 (28 U.S.C. 152 note; Public Law 112-121) is amended by striking 

``subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (E)'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), (E), 

(F), (G), and (H)''.

(b) Section 2(a)(2) of the Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 

2012 (28 U.S.C. 152 note; Public Law 112-121) is amended by adding at the end the 

following:

``(F) Eastern district of michigan.--The 1st vacancy in the office of a 

bankruptcy judge for the eastern district of Michigan--

``(i) occurring 7 years or more after the date of the enactment of this Act, 

and

``(ii) resulting from the death, retirement, resignation, or removal of a 

bankruptcy judge, shall not be filled.

``(G) District of puerto rico.--The 1st vacancy in the office of a bankruptcy 

judge for the district of Puerto Rico—
55

``(i) occurring 7 years or more after the date of the enactment of this Act, 

and

``(ii) resulting from the death, retirement, resignation, or removal of a 

bankruptcy judge, shall not be filled.

``(H) Eastern district of virginia.--The 1st vacancy in the office of a 

bankruptcy judge for the eastern district of Virginia--

 ``(i) occurring 7 years or more after the date of the enactment of this Act, 

and

 ``(ii) resulting from the death, retirement, resignation, or removal of a 

 bankruptcy judge, shall not be filled.''.

(c) Section 2(a)(2)(C) of the Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 

2012 (28 U.S.C. 152 note; Public Law 112-121) is amended--

 (1) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as clauses (ii) and (iii), respectively;

 (2) by inserting before clause (ii), as so redesignated, the following:

 ``(i) in the case of the 1st and 2d vacancies, occurring more than 7 years 

after the date of the enactment of this Act,''; and

(3) in clause (ii), as so redesignated, by inserting ``in the case of the 3d and 

4th vacancies,'' before ``occurring more than 5 years''.

(d) Section 2(a)(2)(D)(i) of the Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act 

of 2012 (28 U.S.C. 152 note; Public Law 112-121) is amended (with regard to the 1st and 

2d vacancies in the southern district of Florida) by striking ``5 years'' and inserting ``7 

years''.]

SEC. 307. (a) Section 2(a)(2)(C)(i) of the Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension 

Act of 2012 (28 U.S.C. 152 note; Public Law 112-121 as amended) is amended by striking “6 

years” and inserting “7 years”.

(b) Section 2(a)(2)(D)(i) of the Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 2012 

(28 U.S.C. 152 note; Public Law 112-121 as amended) is amended by striking “6 years” and 

inserting “7 years”.

(c) Section 2(a)(2)(F)(i) of the Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 2012 

(28 U.S.C. 152 note; Public Law 112-121 as amended) is amended by striking “6 years” and 

inserting “7 years”.

(d) Section 2(a)(2)(G)(i) of the Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 2012 

(28 U.S.C. 152 note; Public Law 112-121 as amended) is amended by striking “6 years” and 

inserting “7 years”.
56

(e) Section 2(a)(2)(H)(i) of the Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 2012 

(28 U.S.C. 152 note; Public Law 112-121 as amended) is amended by striking “6 years” and 

inserting “7 years”.

SEC. 308. (a) Section 1871(b) of title 28, United States Code, is amended in paragraph (1) 

by striking “$40” and inserting “$50”. (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made in 

subsection (a) shall take effect 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

This title may be cited as the ‘‘Judiciary Appropriations Act, [2017]2018’’.

Explanation of Changes

Revised Section 304: This language updates the U.S. Code reference to reflect a 

renumbering that was enacted in October 2016.

Revised Section 306: This language extends for 12 months the authorizations of eight

temporary district judgeships that were last extended in FY 2017 and whose 

authorizations expire on a rolling basis between April and September of FY 2018. The 

revisions relative to the enacted FY 2017 language reflect the removal of AlabamaNorthern from the extension request, consistent with the most recent judgeship 

recommendations of the Judicial Conference.

Revised Section 307: This language extends for 12 months the authorizations of seven 

temporary bankruptcy judgeships whose authorizations expire on May 25, 2018.

New Section 308: This proposed new section increases the daily juror attendance fee by 

$10 (from $40 to $50) to compensate jurors more adequately for their services. Although 

inflation and the cost of living have increased each year, the juror fee has not been 

increased since December 1990. If inflationary increases had been applied since 1990, 

the daily rate would be $76 in 2017, $36 above the current rate of $40. A higher 

attendance fee that more closely tracks to inflation will help to offset some of the 

financial burden imposed by jury service, particularly on the approximately 40 percent 

of private sector workers who receive no pay from their employers while on jury duty. 

In addition, social science data suggest that higher juror compensation produces fewer 

jurors seeking and receiving excuses from service, which in turn increases the efficiency 

of juror utilization and results in the empanelment of more representative juries.
57

Judicial Retirement Funds

Payment to Judiciary Trust Funds

FTE ($000)

FY 2017 Appropriation - 168,300

Adjustments to Base - 26,700

FY 2018 Appropriation Request - 195,000

FY 2018 Request

Mandatory

The Judicial Conference requests $195.0 million for the Judicial Retirement Funds in 

FY 2018, a 15.9 percent increase over the FY 2017 appropriation. 

The Payments to the Judicial Retirement Funds is a congressionally-scored mandatory 

account and is divided among three trust funds that finance payments to (1) retired 

bankruptcy and magistrate judges, (2) retired Court of Federal Claims judges, and (3) 

spouses and dependent children of deceased judicial officers. The appropriation 

requirements are calculated annually by an enrolled actuary pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 9503.

I. Mandatory Adjustments to Base

Based on independent actuarial calculations, an increase of $26.7 million is required for 

this account for FY 2018.

II. Appropriations Language

Sec. [619]___. (a) There are appropriated for the following activities the amounts 

required under current law:

(1) Compensation of the President (3 U.S.C. 102).

(2) Payments to--

(A) the Judicial Officers' Retirement Fund (28 U.S.C. 377(o));

(B) the Judicial Survivors' Annuities Fund (28 U.S.C. 376(c)); and

(C) the United States Court of Federal Claims Judges' Retirement Fund (28 

U.S.C. 178(l)).

(3) Payment of Government contributions--
58

(A) with respect to the health benefits of retired employees, as authorized by 

chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, and the Retired Federal Employees 

Health Benefits Act (74 Stat. 849); and

(B) with respect to the life insurance benefits for employees retiring after 

December 31, 1989 (5 U.S.C. ch. 87).

(4) Payment to finance the unfunded liability of new and increased annuity 

benefits under the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (5 U.S.C. 8348).

(5) Payment of annuities authorized to be paid from the Civil Service Retirement 

and Disability Fund by statutory provisions other than subchapter III of chapter 83 

or chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code.

(b) Nothing in this section may be construed to exempt any amount appropriated by 

this section from any otherwise applicable limitation on the use of funds contained in 

this Act.

(Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017)
59

Judiciary Space Priorities

for the

FY 2018 Budget Request
60
61

The federal courthouse construction program is jointly administered by the judiciary 

and General Services Administration (GSA). The judiciary establishes priorities for 

courthouse construction projects and sets the housing requirements for each project to 

ensure that completed facilities meet the needs of the courts. GSA, as the holder of real 

property authority, secures the funding for courthouse construction and completes 

design and construction work on the facilities themselves. 

The judiciary sets forth its priorities for courthouse construction funding on its Federal 

Judiciary Courthouse Project Priorities (CPP) list. The CPP is divided into two parts. 

Part I consists of the judiciary’s highest courthouse construction funding priorities for 

the budget year. Part II identifies outyear courthouse construction priorities.

Management of FY 2016 Funding

In FY 2016, Congress provided $948 million to GSA for the construction of courthouses 

on the judiciary’s CPP list, as approved by the Judicial Conference in September 2015. 

Consistent with congressional intent, FY 2016 courthouse construction funding will be 

used to fully fund eight projects: Nashville, TN; Toledo, OH; Charlotte, NC; Des 

Moines, IA; Greenville, SC; Anniston, AL; Savannah, GA; and San Antonio, TX. Partial 

funding was also provided for Harrisburg, PA. Congress also provided $53 million for

GSA for new construction and acquisition of federal buildings that jointly house U.S. 

courthouses and other federal agencies in Greenville, MS and Rutland, VT. Joint 

courthouse/federal building projects are prioritized by GSA and do not appear on the 

judiciary’s CPP.

On April 17, 2016, GSA transmitted a spending plan to the House and Senate 

Appropriations Committees detailing the allocation of funds and providing summaries

of each funded project. As of June 2017, all of the courthouse projects on that plan have 

been authorized by both the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 

and the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works except for the 

Rutland, VT project, which is still pending. 

Each of these projects is in a different stage of development; some are ready for 

construction while others still require significant design work or acquisition of a 

building site. The AO is participating in partnering meetings with the affected courts, 

Courthouse Construction
62

the USMS, GSA, and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to ensure that all stakeholders are 

involved in planning, decision making and project oversight, as necessary. 

Update to the CPP

On September 13, 2016, the Judicial Conference of the United States approved an 

updated CPP list for FY 2018 and beyond. The CPP list approved in September 2016

reflects the removal of the eight projects that were funded in FY 2016, and the addition 

of three new locations to Part I based on their Asset Management Planning Process 

(AMP) Urgency Evaluation score and the recommendations contained in each project’s 

completed GSA feasibility study. For FY 2018, the CPP includes three project requests: 

 $139.9 million in additional construction funding for the project in Harrisburg, 

PA, that was partially funded in FY 2016; 

 $110.0 million for site acquisition, design, and construction funding for a new 

courthouse in Huntsville, AL; and 

 $190.1 million for site acquisition, design, and construction funding for a new 

courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
63

Courthouse Project ($000)

Hato Rey Complex, Clemente RuizNazario U.S. Courthouse and Federico 

Degetau Federal Building, San Juan, 

Puerto Rico (Phase 2) 16,800

Projects currently undergoing capital 

security studies 3,200

FY 2018 Appropriation Request 20,000

The Capital Security Program (CSP) is funded as a Special Emphasis Program within 

the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Federal Buildings Fund. The CSP 

provides funding to address serious security deficiencies in existing courthouse 

buildings where physical renovations are viable in lieu of constructing a new 

courthouse. 

FY 2018 Projects

The Judiciary requests $20.0 million in FY 2018 for GSA to address security deficiencies 

at existing courthouses through the CSP. Funds are requested for the following 

projects

1

:

1. Hato Rey Complex, Clemente Ruiz-Nazario U.S. Courthouse and Federico 

Degetau Federal Building, San Juan, Puerto Rico (Phase 2): $16.8 million

The Hato Rey complex, which includes the Degetau Federal Office Building and 

Ruiz-Nazario U.S. Courthouse, serves as the headquarters for the District Court 

in the District of Puerto Rico. The complex’s most pressing security deficiencies 

are being addressed in phases. Phase 1, which was funded with a $3.1 million 

CSP project in FY 2012, partially addressed security deficiencies by constructing 

a new dedicated elevator for prisoner movement. Phase 2 was begun with a 

FY 2016 CSP project study that evaluated existing conditions of both buildings 

and proposed a preferred concept solution to address additional deficiencies of 

________________

1 All project cost estimates are subject to verification by GSA. In addition, the actual projects funded and the dollar 

amounts associated with each project may change depending on the amount appropriated for CSP and the most 

recent cost estimates available at the time of appropriation.

Capital Security Program
64

each structure. The recommendation for the Ruiz-Nazario Courthouse involves 

the construction of a secure judges’ parking garage, designation of a judges’ only 

elevator, and the addition of a shared judge/prisoner elevator. At the Degetau 

Federal Building, a new U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) vehicle sallyport is 

proposed in conjunction with a new shared judge/prisoner elevator. The FY 2018 

request of $16.8 million will fund the associated design and construction costs of 

Phase 2.

2. Projects currently undergoing capital security studies: $3.2 million

Each project that receives CSP funding first undergoes a capital security study to 

identify specific security enhancement options for that location. The remaining 

$3.2 million of FY 2018 funding will be applied to projects that are currently 

undergoing capital security studies once those studies have been completed.