The Judiciary

Fiscal Year 2021

Congressional Budget Summary

PREPARED BY

THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE U.S. COURTS

WASHINGTON, DC

February 2020
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Overview

The Judiciary’s fiscal year (FY) 2021 discretionary budget request of $7.8 billion is a 

4.4 percent increase over the Judiciary’s FY 2020 enacted appropriation of $7.5 billion. The 

Judiciary’s FY 2021 appropriations request also includes $739.7 million in mandatory 

appropriations. The Judiciary built its FY 2021 budget request on the FY 2020 enacted 

appropriation. The Judicial Conference is grateful for the support that Congress has shown the 

Judiciary during the last several fiscal years. 

Fiscal Year 2020 Priorities

The FY 2020 enacted levels will fund FY 2020 pay and non-pay adjustments to base and 

other Judiciary priorities. For the courts’ Salaries and Expenses account, the FY 2020 enacted 

funding level will fund six additional magistrate judge positions, additional probation and 

pretrial services officers, chambers staff to support the large number of Article III judges 

confirmed in FY 2019 and additional projected FY 2020 confirmations, ongoing cybersecurity

requirements, and additional resources for courthouse construction projects. 

The FY 2020 enacted level for the Defender Services account will provide additional 

resources to the defender services program to handle its increasing workload. Resources will 

fund additional federal defender organization staff and additional projected panel attorney 

payments. Regarding panel attorney hourly rates, with inflationary adjustments, the capital and 

non-capital panel attorney rates increased to $195 and $152 per hour, respectively, for work 

performed on or after January 1, 2020. The non-capital panel attorney hourly rate is now only $1 

below the current statutory maximum of $153 per hour. 

The FY 2020 enacted level for the Court Security account will support essential security

needs, infrastructure costs associated with ongoing courthouse construction projects, additional 

funding for the physical access control systems program, initial funding for a multi-year effort to 

upgrade courthouse video management systems, and new court security officers (CSOs) and 

district CSO supervisors.

The FY 2020 enacted level for the Fees of Jurors and Commissioners account should be 

sufficient to meet petit and grand juror requirements for FY 2020. Administrative Office staff 

will closely monitor this account, and any potential funding shortfall will be addressed later in 

the fiscal year through a funds transfer request to Congress.

Foreword
ii

Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request

The Judiciary’s FY 2021 budget request represents a 4.4 percent increase over the 

FY 2020 enacted level. Much of the requested increase is necessary to maintain current services, 

including meeting government-wide obligations to fund previously enacted federal pay rate 

increases and required adjustments to Federal Employees Retirement System contributions. 

Other resources, however, are necessary for the Judiciary to meet new and unique demands on 

the Branch: the need to support the substantial increase in Article III judge confirmations that 

began in April 2019, the requirement to expand judicial operations and staffing to address 

significant increases in workload and caseload stemming from prosecutorial decisions of the 

Executive Branch and the enactment of new legislation that imposes additional duties on 

Judiciary personnel, and the obligation to modernize or replace existing and outdated facilities 

and infrastructure. The Judiciary’s budget request seeks the resources necessary to sustain 

operations and meet these new demands while still honoring our ongoing commitment to 

efficiency and cost containment where possible. 

For the courts’ Salaries and Expenses account, the Judiciary requests $5.5 billion, an 

increase of $209.9 million (4.0 percent) in discretionary appropriations over the FY 2020 enacted 

level. This request funds a number of critical new investments, including two additional fulltime magistrate judges, additional court support staff as well as probation and pretrial services 

program staff – including 94 additional full-time equivalents for the probation and pretrial 

services program to handle its increasing caseload due to the First Step Act. The request also 

supports the Judiciary’s consolidated financial statements initiative and infrastructure costs 

associated with ongoing courthouse construction projects. 

For the Defender Services account, the Judiciary requests $1.3 billion, an increase of 

$81.7 million (6.6 percent) over the FY 2020 enacted level. This request includes sufficient 

funding to add an additional 116 full-time equivalents in federal defender organizations and to 

support all projected panel attorney representations in FY 2021. The request also includes a $1

per hour above-inflation increase to the non-capital panel attorney hourly rate (from $154 per 

hour to $155 per hour after accounting for anticipated 2021 inflationary adjustments). With this 

proposed $1 above-inflation increase, the non-capital panel attorney hourly rate would be at the 

projected statutory maximum in FY 2021. Finally, this request includes additional program 

oversight and training positions as well as funding for necessary information technology and 

litigation support. 

For the Court Security account, the Judiciary requests $664.0 million, an increase of 

$24.8 million (3.9 percent) over the enacted FY 2020 level. The request includes additional 

funding for physical access control systems; security infrastructure and additional CSOs for new 

courthouses; the phased implementation of a cyclical replacement program for video 

management systems and screening equipment; and additional contract costs to maintain the 

facility access card program. 
iii

For the Fees of Jurors and Commissioners account, the Judiciary seeks $55.5 million, an 

increase of $1.9 million (3.6 percent) over the FY 2020 enacted level. The FY 2021 request is 

sufficient to fund all projected petit and grand juror requirements.

Courthouse Construction and Capital Security Improvements

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

General Services Administration (GSA’s) budget. The Judiciary continues to focus on 

effectively managing the 13 courthouse/federal building projects whose construction costs were 

funded in FY 2016 and FY 2018. For FY 2021, the Judiciary’s highest construction priorities, 

based on the current Courthouse Project Priorities plan, are Hartford, Connecticut, and 

Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

The Capital Security Program provides funding to address security deficiencies in 

existing courthouse buildings where physical renovations are viable in lieu of construction of a 

new courthouse. Stable, consistent funding for these projects is crucial to address serious 

deficiencies that threaten the safety and security of the Judiciary and the public. For the Capital 

Security Program, the Judiciary requests that Congress provide GSA $31.4 million in FY 2021 

for the Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse in Detroit, Michigan, and the U.S. Courthouse in

Augusta, Georgia. 

Cost Containment

The Judiciary aggressively seeks to contain costs whenever possible and has 

implemented a number of cost containment initiatives since 2004. These efforts have achieved 

significant cost savings and cost avoidance for over fifteen years and will continue to do so. The 

overwhelming majority of the Judiciary’s budget relates to personnel and space costs. The 

Judiciary’s cost-containment initiatives have similarly focused on these two areas as they should 

have the greatest impact on long-term savings.

Starting in 2013, the Judiciary has had several cost containment initiatives related to 

space. First, the Judiciary adopted a three percent national space reduction target. That initiative 

resulted in approximately 1.2 million useable square feet of space being removed from the 

Judiciary’s rent bill. In total, the Judiciary has exceeded its national space reduction goal by 

approximately 37 percent. This initiative resulted in approximately $36 million in annual rent 

avoidance. After the success of the space reduction program, the Judiciary has focused on 

another cost-containment initiative, the No Net New policy, whereby any increase in square 

footage within a federal judicial circuit needs to be offset by an equivalent reduction in square 

footage identified within the same fiscal year. This policy will help limit growth in the 

Judiciary’s space footprint. The ten No Net New Projects approved in FY 2019 are expected to 

reduce the Judiciary’s footprint by an additional 57,000 square feet and result in $3 million in 

rent cost avoidance every year.
iv

Regarding personnel costs, the Judiciary continues to use work measurement tools to 

update its court support staffing formulas regularly to incorporate best practices, shared 

administrative services, improvements in information technology, and other efficiencies. 

Further, the Judiciary has also undertaken significant efforts to develop alternative organizational 

models that may result in cost savings, including expanding shared administrative services 

within and among districts. As one example of an alternative organizational model, the Judicial 

Conference approved a three-year horizontal consolidation pilot project, based on voluntary 

sharing arrangements between two or more bankruptcy court clerks’ offices. The Judiciary will 

study the pilot to determine whether horizontal consolidation of bankruptcy clerks’ offices could 

produce savings in the level of required funding and/or personnel for those offices without 

decreasing services provided to judges, the bar, and the public. Further, Administrative Office 

staff have developed advisory materials for educational and training programs for chief judges, 

clerks of court, and chiefs of probation and pretrial services offices explaining the principles of 

and detailing the efficacy of these alternative organizational models. 

Finally, the Judiciary continues to explore other operational improvements that will 

simultaneously contain costs. One example is its efforts to encourage electronic noticing to 

creditors in bankruptcy proceedings. 

The Judiciary’s FY 2021 discretionary budget request of $7.8 billion and its mandatory 

budget request of $739.7 million are summarized in the following pages. A more detailed 

description of the Judiciary’s FY 2021 request, as well as the requests for courthouse 

construction and capital security requirements, can be found in The Judiciary, FY 2021

Congressional Budget Justification.

John W. Lungstrum James C. Duff

United States Senior District Judge Director, Administrative Office 

 for the District of Kansas of the United States Courts

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

 Judicial Conference of the United States
v

Page

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

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

Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Summary - Details of Request............................................................5 

Summary Tables

Judiciary Appropriation Funding for Fiscal Year 2019 – Fiscal Year 2021......................11

Summary of FTE for Fiscal Year 2019 – Fiscal Year 2021 ..............................................12

Fiscal Year 2021 Summary of Requested Changes...........................................................13

Outlays for Fiscal Year 2019 – Fiscal Year 2021 .............................................................16

Fiscal Year 2021 Request Summary by Appropriation

Supreme Court of the United States:

Salaries and Expenses..................................................................................................19

Care of the Building and Grounds...............................................................................21

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........................................................................................................37

Fees of Jurors and Commissioners ..............................................................................43

Court Security ..............................................................................................................47

Administrative Office of the United States Courts............................................................53

Federal Judicial Center ......................................................................................................57

United States Sentencing Commission ..............................................................................59

Title III Administrative Provisions – The Judiciary ..........................................................61

Judicial Retirement Funds..................................................................................................63

Judiciary Space Priorities for the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request 

Courthouse Construction ...................................................................................................67

Capital Security Program...................................................................................................69

Table of Contents
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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 12 regional courts of appeals and 167 authorized appellate court Article III judgeships 

nationwide. These 12 courts of appeals have jurisdiction over cases within a regional area or 

“circuit.” The 12 regional courts of appeals review cases from the United States district courts and 

the United States Tax Court as well as orders and decisions from a number of federal administrative 

agencies.

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 monetary 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 States Court of International Trade, and the United States 

Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. There are 12 authorized Article III circuit judgeships on the 

Court.

Overview of the Judiciary
2

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; 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 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.
3

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.

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.
4

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 Trust 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 appropriation request for fiscal year (FY) 2021 totals $8,555,453,000 (including

$739,709,000 in mandatory appropriations and $7,815,744,000 in discretionary appropriations), 

an increase of $363,462,000, or 4.4 percent, over the FY 2020 enacted appropriations. 

Mandatory Discretionary Total

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 705,483 7,486,508 8,191,991

FY 2021 Adjustments to Base 34,226 259,134 293,360

FY 2021 Program Increases - 70,102 70,102

FY 2021 Total Increases 34,226 329,236 363,462

FY 2021 Total Request 739,709 7,815,744 8,555,453

($000)

Summary of FY 2021 Request

Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations

The judiciary built the FY 2021 budget request on the FY 2020 enacted appropriation level. 

Further, for bill language, the judiciary used the language from P.L. 116-93, Financial Services 

and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020. 

Adjustments to Base (Mandatory Appropriations)

A $34.2 million increase is requested for mandatory judiciary appropriations, as follows: 

1. An increase of $22.2 million is required for the judiciary retirement trust funds accounts 

based on requirements calculated by an independent actuary.

2. An increase of $8.4 million is for pay and benefit adjustments for Article III judges for the 

Supreme Court; the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; the Court of International 

Trade; and active, senior, and retired Article III judges and bankruptcy judges within the

courts’ Salaries and Expenses account, including the annualization of the FY 2020 pay 

adjustment of 2.6 percent for judges. Of the $8.4 million, $0.7 million is requested for an 

increase in the agency contribution rate to the Federal Employees Retirement System, which 

is increasing from 16.0 percent to 17.3 percent for most judges.

3. For the courts’ Salaries and Expenses account, an increase of $3.6 million is associated with 

an additional 8 active Article III judge FTE (based on an assumption of 40 confirmations), an 

additional 7 senior judge FTE, and an additional 1 bankruptcy judge FTE.
6 

Adjustments to Base (Discretionary Appropriations) 

Of the requested $329.2 million increase in discretionary appropriations, $259.1 million (79 

percent) will provide for pay adjustments, inflation and other adjustments to base necessary to 

maintain current services. Base adjustments include: 

1. An increase of $106.9 million will provide for inflationary pay and benefit increases for 

magistrate and Court of Federal Claims judges, judges’ staff, and other judiciary personnel. 

This includes an assumed 1.0 percent federal percent pay adjustment effective January 2021, 

annualizing the January 2020 pay adjustment (2.6 percent for magistrate and Court of Federal 

Claims court judges and 3.1 percent for staff), changes in benefit costs, one less compensable 

day, and a wage rate adjustment for court security officers (CSOs). 

2. An increase of $63.5 million is necessary to replace non-appropriated sources of funds used 

in FY 2020 to support base requirements with direct appropriations for the courts’ Salaries 

and Expenses; Defender Services; and Fees of Jurors and Commissioners accounts. The 

judiciary will keep the Appropriations Subcommittees informed of any change in this 

estimate. 

3. An increase of $41.5 million is requested for a planned increase to the agency contribution 

rate to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) plans for FY 2021. Based upon 

guidance from the Office of Management and Budget, the agency contribution rate will 

increase for most employees from 16.0 percent to 17.3 percent. Any FERS increase is in 

accordance with revised estimates of the cost of providing benefits by the Board of Actuaries 

of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability System. 

4. An increase of $23.4 million will provide for increases in contract rates and other standard 

inflationary increases. Of this amount, $0.6 million is for the Vaccine Injury Compensation 

Trust Fund. 

5. A net increase of $21.1 million is associated with changes in the judiciary’s space program. 

This includes an increase of $23.9 million for space rental adjustments and $5.2 million for 

new space expected to be delivered in FY 2021, partially offset by a decrease of $6.0 million 

in other space-related adjustments and $2.0 million in savings associated with the space 

reduction program. 

6. A net increase of $14.6 million in information technology (IT) requirements for the courts’ 

Salaries and Expenses account is due to: 

 an increase of $15.5 million for the continued implementation of ongoing IT projects, 

 a decrease of $0.9 million due to contractor conversion savings. 
7

7. An increase of $10.8 million is for the annualization of positions funded in FY 2020, 

including:

• 42 federal public defender organization (FPDO) positions (21 FTE), 11 community 

defender organization (CDO) positions, and 3 national positions (2 FTE) for the Defender 

Services account; 

• 4 reimbursable positions for program operations and training for the Defender Services 

account; and 

• 103 CSO and 11 district CSO supervisor positions for the Court Security account.

8. An increase of $8.3 million is for chambers staff associated with the additional active and 

senior Article III judges and bankruptcy judges (noted above in the mandatory adjustments to 

base section), specifically, 43 FTE for active Article III judges, 30 FTE for senior judges, and 

3 FTE for bankruptcy judges.

9. An increase of $7.7 million is associated with a change in panel attorney representations 

based on FY 2021 caseload projections in the Defender Services program.

10. A net increase of $1.7 million is associated with adjustments to systems and equipment 

requirements in the Court Security account.

11. A net decrease of $3.6 million in adjustments to base is associated with:

• a decrease of $4.2 million in non-recurring project requirements in the Supreme Court’s 

Care of the Building and Grounds account,

• a decrease of $0.3 million for the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit account, 

• an increase of $0.9 million associated with a projected net change in juror requirements 

based on FY 2021 projected caseload. 

12. A net decrease of $3.7 million is associated with Federal Protective Service (FPS) security 

charges.

13. A decrease of $33.0 million in the courts’ Salaries and Expenses account is due to a 

reduction in base requirements to reflect lower anticipated court spending on salary and 

operating expenses. 

Program Changes (Discretionary Appropriations)

The remaining $70.1 million (21 percent) of the requested increase is for program enhancements 

including:

1. An increase of $23.9 million for the Defender Services account is for the continued 

implementation of the federal defender organization staffing formula. These funds will 
8

provide for 237 additional staff (193 federal public defender organization positions/96 FTE 

and 44 community defender organization positions).

2. An increase of $13.6 million is associated with an increase of 278 positions (139 FTE) in 

court support staffing in the courts’ Salaries and Expenses account due to changes in 

projected caseload.

3. An increase of $5.0 million for the Court Security program is for the continued 

implementation of the physical access control systems (PACS) replacement strategy. This 

increase results in a total of $37.0 million in PACS funding for FY 2021.

4. An increase of $4.6 million will support the Court Security equipment modernization and 

cyclical replacement strategy. This request includes an additional $3.7 million for video 

management systems (VMS), $0.6 million for screening equipment, and $0.3 million and 4 

positions (2 FTE) at the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to support the strategy.

5. An increase of $4.0 million for the Defender Services account will support 3 national

positions (2 FTE) to ensure IT systems are secure and mission capable, the cyclical 

replacement of the FDO server infrastructure, and a national log management tool to help 

monitor and identify malicious activity.

6. A net increase of $3.8 million will support infrastructure and security requirements for new 

courthouse construction projects consisting of $5.3 million in additional infrastructure 

requirements, partially offset by $1.5 million in non-recurring security requirements.

7. An increase of $2.9 million and 4 positions (2 FTE) is to enhance the Supreme Court’s 

security programs.

8. An increase of $2.5 million and 12 FTE for the Defender Services account is for a staffing 

reserve to provide temporary staffing increases in federal defender organizations to address 

significant caseload pressures. 

9. An increase of $2.0 million in the Court Security account will support 31 additional CSO 

positions at new courthouses projected to be open in FY 2021 or early FY 2022.

10. An increase of $1.5 million for the Defender Services account includes 10 positions (5 FTE)

for federal public defender organizations (FPDOs) and 3 positions for community defender 

organizations (CDOs) to support panel attorney management activities as well as 2 national 

positions (1 FTE) to support the national litigation support team.

11. An increase of $1.3 million in the courts’ Salaries and Expenses account will fund 2

additional magistrate judge positions (2 FTE), 7 chambers staff (7 FTE), and the associated 

operating costs for newly proposed magistrate judgeships in the following locations:
9

• Eastern District of Missouri at St. Louis, 1 judgeship

• Southern District of California, 1 judgeship.

12. An increase of $1.3 million for the AO account will fund 15 positions (7.5 FTE) to 

strengthen procurement, compliance, and internal controls.

13. An increase of $1.0 million for the Court Security account is to maintain the facility access 

card program.

14. An increase of $0.8 million for the Defender Services account is for national litigation 

support/training.

15. An increase of $0.6 million will fund 8 reimbursable positions within the Defender Services 

account to support program operations, training programs, and related needs for federal 

defender staff and panel attorneys.

16. An increase of $0.5 million will fund network infrastructure upgrades at the Supreme Court.

17. An increase of $0.4 million and 2 FTE for the AO account will expand the Office of Judicial 

Integrity.

18. An increase of $0.3 million in the Defender Services account will provide for a $1 aboveinflation hourly rate increase to $155 for non-capital cases effective January 2021 to achieve 

the statutory maximum hourly rate. 
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Summary Tables

 Appropriation Account Mandatory1 Discretionary Total Mandatory1 Discretionary Total Mandatory Discretionary Total

Supreme Court

 Salaries and Expenses 2,663 84,703 87,366 2,680 87,699 90,379 2,729 93,630 96,359

 Building and Grounds - 15,999 15,999 - 15,590 15,590 - 11,678 11,678

 Total, Supreme Court 2,663 100,702 103,365 2,680 103,289 105,969 2,729 105,308 108,037

Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit 3,041 32,016 35,057 3,120 32,700 35,820 3,168 34,023 37,191

Court of International Trade 1,352 18,882 20,234 2,099 19,564 21,663 2,143 20,097 22,240

Courts of Appeals, District Courts,

 and Other Judicial Services:

 Salaries and Expenses 418,225 5,144,383 5,562,608 457,484 5,250,234 5,707,718 469,369 5,459,475 5,928,844

 Vaccine Injury Trust Fund - 8,475 8,475 - 9,070 9,070 - 9,700 9,700

 Total, Salaries and Expenses 418,225 5,152,858 5,571,083 457,484 5,259,304 5,716,788 469,369 5,469,175 5,938,544

 Defender Services - 1,150,450 1,150,450 - 1,234,574 1,234,574 - 1,316,240 1,316,240

 Fees of Jurors & Commissioners - 49,750 49,750 - 53,545 53,545 - 55,478 55,478

 Court Security - 607,110 607,110 - 639,165 639,165 - 664,011 664,011

 Total, CADCOJS 418,225 6,960,168 7,378,393 457,484 7,186,588 7,644,072 469,369 7,504,904 7,974,273

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts - 92,413 92,413 - 94,261 94,261 - 99,812 99,812

Federal Judicial Center - 29,819 29,819 - 30,436 30,436 - 31,344 31,344

Judicial Retirement Funds 211,700 - 211,700 240,100 - 240,100 262,300 - 262,300

Sentencing Commission - 18,953 18,953 - 19,670 19,670 - 20,256 20,256

 Total Direct 636,981 7,244,478 7,881,459 705,483 7,477,438 8,182,921 739,709 7,806,044 8,545,753

 Vaccine Injury Trust Fund - 8,475 8,475 - 9,070 9,070 - 9,700 9,700

 Total, Judiciary 636,981 7,252,953 7,889,934 705,483 7,486,508 8,191,991 739,709 7,815,744 8,555,453

1

 FY 2019 mandatory levels reflect actuals, with the exception of Supreme Court which reflects the FY 2019 financial plan level. 

 FY 2020 mandatory levels represent FY 2020 assumed financial plan levels.

 THE JUDICIARY 

Judiciary Appropriation Funding ($000)

FY 2019 Enacted FY 2020 Enacted FY 2021 Request
12

 Appropriation Account Mandatory Discretionary Total FTEMandatory Discretionary Total Mandatory Discretionary Total

Supreme Court

 Salaries and Expenses 9 489 498 9 513 522 9 515 524

 Building and Grounds - 45 45 - 54 54 - 54 54

 Total, Supreme Court 9 534 543 9 567 576 9 569 578

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

Court of International Trade 6 52 58 9 68 77 9 68 77

Courts of Appeals, District Courts,

 and Other Judicial Services:

 Salaries and Expenses 1,785 25,935 27,720 1,870 26,377 28,247 1,886 26,601 28,487

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

 Total, Salaries and Expenses 1,785 25,935 27,720 1,870 26,377 28,247 1,886 26,601 28,487

 Defender Services - 3,021 3,021 - 3,070 3,070 - 3,208 3,208

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

 Court Security - 59 59 - 75 75 - 77 77

 Total, CADCOJS 1,785 29,015 30,800 1,870 29,522 31,392 1,886 29,886 31,772

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts - 618 618 - 622 622 - 632 632

Federal Judicial Center - 124 124 - 128 128 - 128 128

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

Sentencing Commission - 92 92 - 95 95 - 95 95

 Total Direct 1,812 30,568 32,380 1,900 31,142 33,042 1,916 31,518 33,434

 Reimbursables, AO - 514 514 - 632 632 - 666 666

 Total, Judiciary 1,812 31,082 32,894 1,900 31,774 33,674 1,916 32,184 34,100

 THE JUDICIARY 

Summary of FTE

FY 2019 Actual FY 2020 Enacted FY 2021 Request
13

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

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation Level - Mandatory 9 2,680 12 3,120 9 2,099 1,870 457,484

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation Level - Discretionary 567 103,289 140 32,700 68 19,564 29,522 7,186,588

 AO Reimbursable FTE - - - - - - - -

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 576 105,969 152 35,820 77 21,663 31,392 7,644,072

FY 2021 Adjustments to Base

 Judges: 

- Annualization of 2020 pay adjustment (2.6% for three months) - 18 - 18 - 16 - 3,939

- Pay and benefits adjustments - 31 - 30 - 28 - 6,254

 - FERS adjustments - - - - - - - 1,975

 - Increase in average number of filled Article III judgeships - - - - - - 51 6,640

 - Increase in average number of senior judges - - - - - - 37 4,698

 - Increase in average number of filled bankruptcy judgeships - - - - - - 4 612

 - Payments to judiciary retirement trust funds - - - - - - - -

 Court Personnel and Other Programs: 

- Annualization of 2020 pay adjustment (3.1% for three months) - 523 - 138 - 72 - 29,556

- Pay and benefits adjustments - 1,123 - 366 - 187 - 69,884

 - FERS adjustments - 803 - 140 - 61 - 37,573

 - One less compensable day - (277) - (71) - (35) - (17,423)

- Annualization of 2020 panel attorney capital rate - - - - - - - 496

- Annualization of 2020 panel attorney non-capital rate - - - - - - - 8,897

- Annualization of FY 2020 increase in positions - - - - - - 23 5,681

- Annualization of FY 2020 increase of court security officer (CSO) positions - - - - - - - 4,578

- Annualization of FY 2020 increase of district supervisor positions - - - - - - - 577

 - FY 2020 CSO contract and wage rate adjustments (3%) - - - - - - - 7,554

 - Funding necessary to maintain current services (financing adjustment) - - - - - - - 63,464

- Reduction in court salary and non-salary requirements - - - - - - - (33,000)

 - Inflation (including law books and computer assisted legal research) - 565 - 153 - 43 - 21,535

 - Space related costs (includes inflation for space rental rates) - 5 - 847 - 603 - 19,629

 - Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund adjustment - - - - - - - 630

 - Information technology requirements - - - - - - - 14,556

 - Change in projected panel attorney workload - - - - - - - 7,732

 - Change in available jurors - - - - - - - 850

 - FPS security service charges - - - - - (398) - (3,347)

- Adjustments to base for security systems and equipment - - - - - - - 1,699

- Other adjustments to base - (4,199) - (250) - - - -

 Subtotal, FY 2021 Adjustments to Base - (1,409) - 1,371 - 577 115 265,239

Total Adjustments to Base, Mandatory - 49 - 48 - 44 16 11,885

Total Adjustments to Base, Discretionary - (1,458) - 1,323 - 533 99 253,354

 AO Reimbursable FTE changes - - - - - - - -

FY 2021 Adjusted Base 576 104,561 152 37,191 77 22,240 31,506 7,909,311

FY 2021 Program Increases

 Judges: 

 - Magistrate judges and staff - - - - - - 9 1,302

 Court Personnel and Other Programs: 

 - Telecommunications and network upgrades at Supreme Court - 540 - - - - - -

 - Security program administration at Supreme Court 2 2,937 - - - - - -

 - Infrastructure costs for new courthouse construction projects - - - - - - - 3,782

 - FY 2021 court support staffing due to workload changes - - - - - - 139 13,599

 - Non-capital panel attorney above-inflation increase (from $154 to $155 per hour) - - - - - - - 326

 - Continued implementation of the FDO staffing formula - - - - - - 96 23,882

 - FDO panel management & national positions - - - - - - 8 1,684

 - Defenders Services reimbursable positions - - - - - - - 599

 - FDO Staffing Reserve - - - - - - 12 2,500

 - Defenders Services information technology requirements - - - - - - - 3,835

 - Defender Services litigation support/training and software - - - - - - - 810

 - Physical access control systems replacement - - - - - - - 5,000

 - CSOs for new courthouse construction projects - - - - - - - 2,035

 - Video management systems replacement - - - - - - 2 4,608

 - Facility access card sustainment - - - - - - - 1,000

 - Expand Office of Judicial Integrity at AO - - - - - - - -

 - Procurement reform positions at AO - - - - - - - -

 - Audit compliance support positions at AO - - - - - - - -

 - Internal control self-assessment training positions at AO - - - - - - - -

 Subtotal, FY 2021 Program Increases 2 3,476 - - - - 266 64,962

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

Total Program Increases, Discretionary 2 3,476 - - - - 266 64,962

 AO Reimbursable FTE changes - - - - - - - -

Total Mandatory Increases - 49 - 48 - 44 16 11,885

Total Discretionary Increases 2 2,019 - 1,323 - 533 365 318,316

 AO Reimbursable FTE changes - - - - - - - -

 Subtotal, FY 2021 Total Increases 2 2,068 - 1,371 - 577 381 330,201

FY 2021, Total Mandatory Appropriation 9 2,729 12 3,168 9 2,143 1,886 469,369

FY 2021, Total Discretionary Appropriation 569 105,308 140 34,023 68 20,097 29,886 7,504,904

 AO Reimbursable FTE - - - - - - - -

FY 2021, Total Judiciary 578 108,037 152 37,191 77 22,240 31,772 7,974,273

FY 2021 Summary of Requested Mandatory & Discretionary Changes

 1 Includes Salaries and Expenses, Defender Services, Fees of Jurors and Commissioners, and Court Security accounts.

Supreme 

Court

Federal 

Circuit

International 

Trade

Total 

CADCOJS 1
14

Judicial 

Retirement Funds

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

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation Level - Mandatory - - - - - - 240,100 1,900 705,483

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation Level - Discretionary 622 94,261 128 30,436 95 19,670 - 31,142 7,486,508

 AO Reimbursable FTE 632 - - - - - - 632 -

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 1,254 94,261 128 30,436 95 19,670 240,100 33,674 8,191,991

FY 2021 Adjustments to Base

 Judges: 

- Annualization of 2020 pay adjustment (2.6% for three months) - - - - - - - - 3,991

- Pay and benefits adjustments - - - - - - - - 6,343

 - FERS adjustments - - - - - - - - 1,975

 - Increase in average number of filled Article III judgeships - - - - - - - 51 6,640

 - Increase in average number of senior judges - - - - - - - 37 4,698

 - Increase in average number of filled bankruptcy judgeships - - - - - - - 4 612

 - Payments to judiciary retirement trust funds - - - - - - 22,200 - 22,200

 Court Personnel and Other Programs: 

- Annualization of 2020 pay adjustment (3.1% for three months) - 947 - 163 - 109 - - 31,508

- Pay and benefits adjustments - 1,932 - 391 - 313 - - 74,196

 - FERS adjustments - 1,225 - 255 - 149 - - 40,206

 - One less compensable day - (409) - (84) - (67) - - (18,366)

- Annualization of 2020 panel attorney capital rate - - - - - - - - 496

- Annualization of 2020 panel attorney non-capital rate - - - - - - - - 8,897

- Annualization of FY 2020 increase in positions - - - - - - - 23 5,681

- Annualization of FY 2020 increase of court security officer (CSO) positions - - - - - - - - 4,578

- Annualization of FY 2020 increase of district supervisor positions - - - - - - - - 577

 - FY 2020 CSO contract and wage rate adjustments (3%) - - - - - - - - 7,554

 - Funding necessary to maintain current services (financing adjustment) - - - - - - - - 63,464

- Reduction in court salary and non-salary requirements - - - - - - - - (33,000)

 - Inflation (including law books and computer assisted legal research) - 192 - 183 - 82 - - 22,753

 - Space related costs (includes inflation for space rental rates) - - - - - - - - 21,084

 - Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund adjustment - - - - - - - - 630

 - Information technology requirements - - - - - - - - 14,556

 - Change in projected panel attorney workload - - - - - - - - 7,732

 - Change in available jurors - - - - - - - - 850

 - FPS security service charges - - - - - - - - (3,745)

- Adjustments to base for security systems and equipment - - - - - - - - 1,699

- Other adjustments to base - - - - - - - - (4,449)

 Subtotal, FY 2021 Adjustments to Base - 3,887 - 908 - 586 22,200 115 293,360

Total Adjustments to Base, Mandatory - - - - - - 22,200 16 34,226

Total Adjustments to Base, Discretionary - 3,887 - 908 - 586 - 99 259,134

 AO Reimbursable FTE changes 15 - - - - - - 15 -

FY 2021 Adjusted Base 1,269 98,148 128 31,344 95 20,256 262,300 33,803 8,485,351

FY 2021 Program Increases

 Judges: 

 - Magistrate judges and staff - - - - - - - 9 1,302

 Court Personnel and Other Programs: 

 - Telecommunications and network upgrades at Supreme Court - - - - - - - - 540

 - Security program administration at Supreme Court - - - - - - - 2 2,937

 - Infrastructure costs for new courthouse construction projects - - - - - - - - 3,782

 - FY 2021 court support staffing due to workload changes - - - - - - - 139 13,599

 - Non-capital panel attorney above-inflation increase (from $154 to $155 per hour) - - - - - - - - 326

 - Continued implementation of the FDO staffing formula - - - - - - - 96 23,882

 - FDO panel management & national positions - - - - - - - 8 1,684

 - Defenders Services reimbursable positions - - - - - - - - 599

 - FDO Staffing Reserve - - - - - - - 12 2,500

 - Defenders Services information technology requirements - - - - - - - - 3,835

 - Defender Services litigation support/training and software - - - - - - - - 810

 - Physical access control systems replacement - - - - - - - - 5,000

 - CSOs for new courthouse construction projects - - - - - - - - 2,035

 - Video management systems replacement - - - - - - - 2 4,608

 - Facility access card sustainment - - - - - - - - 1,000

 - Expand Office of Judicial Integrity at AO 2 364 - - - - - 2 364

 - Procurement reform positions at AO 7 1,092 - - - - - 7 1,092

 - Audit compliance support positions at AO 1 97 - - - - - 1 97

 - Internal control self-assessment training positions at AO 1 111 - - - - - 1 111

 Subtotal, FY 2021 Program Increases 10 1,664 - - - - - 278 70,102

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

Total Program Increases, Discretionary 10 1,664 - - - - - 278 70,102

 AO Reimbursable FTE changes 19 - - - - - - 19 -

Total Mandatory Increases - - - - - - 22,200 16 34,226

Total Discretionary Increases 10 5,551 - 908 - 586 - 376 329,236

 AO Reimbursable FTE changes 34 - - - - - - 34 -

 Subtotal, FY 2021 Total Increases 44 5,551 - 908 - 586 22,200 426 363,462

FY 2021, Total Mandatory Appropriation - - - - - - 262,300 1,916 739,709

FY 2021, Total Discretionary Appropriation 632 99,812 128 31,344 95 20,256 - 31,518 7,815,744

 AO Reimbursable FTE 666 - - - - - - 666 -

FY 2021, Total Judiciary 1,298 99,812 128 31,344 95 20,256 262,300 34,100 8,555,453

Administrative 

Office

Fed. Judicial 

Center

 Sentencing 

Commission

Total 

Judiciary

FY 2021 Summary of Requested Mandatory & Discretionary Changes
15

Fees of Jurors and 

Commissioners

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

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation Level - Mandatory 1,870 457,484 - - - - - 1,870 457,484

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation Level - Discretionary 26,377 5,259,304 3,070 1,234,574 53,545 75 639,165 29,522 7,186,588

 AO Reimbursable FTE - - - - - - - - -

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 28,247 5,716,788 3,070 1,234,574 53,545 75 639,165 31,392 7,644,072

FY 2021 Adjustments to Base

Judges:

- Annualization of 2020 pay adjustment (2.6% for three months) - 3,939 - - - - - - 3,939

- Pay and benefits adjustments - 6,254 - - - - - - 6,254

- FERS adjustments - 1,975 - - - - - - 1,975

- Increase in average number of filled Article III judgeships 51 6,640 - - - - - 51 6,640

- Increase in average number of senior judges 37 4,698 - - - - - 37 4,698

- Increase in average number of filled bankruptcy judgeships 4 612 - - - - - 4 612

- Payments to judiciary retirement trust funds - - - - - - - - -

Court Personnel and Other Programs:

- Annualization of 2020 pay adjustment (3.1% for three months) - 25,810 - 3,653 - - 93 - 29,556

- Pay and benefits adjustments - 59,543 - 10,063 - - 278 - 69,884

- FERS adjustments - 31,648 - 5,762 - - 163 - 37,573

- One less compensable day - (13,679) - (1,891) - - (1,853) - (17,423)

- Annualization of 2020 panel attorney capital rate - - - 496 - - - - 496

- Annualization of 2020 panel attorney non-capital rate - - - 8,897 - - - - 8,897

- Annualization of FY 2020 increase in positions - - 23 5,681 - - - 23 5,681

- Annualization of FY 2020 increase of court security officer (CSO) positions - - - - - - 4,578 - 4,578

- Annualization of FY 2020 increase of district supervisor positions - - - - - - 577 - 577

- FY 2021 CSO contract and wage rate adjustments (3%) - - - - - - 7,554 - 7,554

- Funding necessary to maintain current services (financing adjustment) - 62,924 - 100 440 - - - 63,464

- Reduction in court salary and non-salary requirements - (33,000) - - - - - - (33,000)

- Inflation (including law books and computer assisted legal research) - 13,566 - 6,329 643 - 997 - 21,535

 - Space related costs (includes inflation for space rental rates) - 18,257 - 1,208 - - 164 - 19,629

 - Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund adjustment - 630 - - - - - - 630

- Information technology requirements - 14,556 - - - - - - 14,556

- Change in projected panel attorney workload - - - 7,732 - - - - 7,732

- Change in available jurors - - - - 850 - - - 850

 - FPS security service charges - - - - - - (3,347) - (3,347)

- Adjustments to base for security systems and equipment - - - - - - 1,699 - 1,699

- Other adjustments to base - - - - - - - - -

 Subtotal, FY 2021 Adjustments to Base 92 204,373 23 48,030 1,933 - 10,903 115 265,239

Total Adjustments to Base, Mandatory 16 11,885 - - - - - 16 11,885

Total Adjustments to Base, Discretionary 76 192,488 23 48,030 1,933 - 10,903 99 253,354

 AO Reimbursable FTE - - - - - - - - -

FY 2021 Adjusted Base 28,339 5,921,161 3,092 1,282,604 55,478 75 650,068 31,506 7,909,311

FY 2021 Program Increases

Judges:

 - Magistrate judges and staff 9 1,302 - - - - - 9 1,302

 Court Personnel and Other Programs: - -

 - Telecommunications and network upgrades at Supreme Court - - - - - - - - -

 - Security program administration at Supreme Court - - - - - - - - -

 - Infrastructure costs for new courthouse construction projects - 2,482 - - - - 1,300 - 3,782

 - FY 2021 court support staffing due to workload changes 139 13,599 - - - - - 139 13,599

 - Non-capital panel attorney above-inflation increase (from $154 to $155 per hour) - - - 326 - - - - 326

 - Continued implementation of the FDO staffing formula - - 96 23,882 - - - 96 23,882

 - FDO panel management & national positions - - 8 1,684 - - - 8 1,684

 - Defenders Services reimbursable positions - - - 599 - - - - 599

 - FDO Staffing Reserve - - 12 2,500 - - - 12 2,500

 - Defenders Services information technology requirements - - - 3,835 - - - - 3,835

 - Defender Services litigation support/training and software - - - 810 - - - - 810

 - Physical access control systems replacement - - - - - - 5,000 - 5,000

 - CSOs for new courthouse construction projects - - - - - - 2,035 - 2,035

 - Video management systems replacement - - - - - 2 4,608 2 4,608

 - Facility access card sustainment - - - - - - 1,000 - 1,000

 - Expand Office of Judicial Integrity at AO - - - - - - - - -

 - Procurement reform positions at AO - - - - - - - - -

 - Audit compliance support positions at AO - - - - - - - - -

 - Internal control self-assessment training positions at AO - - - - - - - - -

 Subtotal, FY 2021 Program Increases 148 17,383 116 33,636 - 2 13,943 266 64,962

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

Total Program Increases, Discretionary 148 17,383 116 33,636 - 2 13,943 266 64,962

 AO Reimbursable FTE - - - - - - - - -

Total Mandatory 16 11,885 - - - - - 16 11,885

Total Discretionary 224 209,871 139 81,666 1,933 2 24,846 365 318,316

 AO Reimbursable FTE - - - - - - - - -

 Subtotal, FY 2021 Total Increases 240 221,756 139 81,666 1,933 2 24,846 381 330,201

FY 2021, Total Mandatory Appropriation 1,886 469,369 - - - - - 1,886 469,369

FY 2021, Total Discretionary Appropriation 26,601 5,469,175 3,208 1,316,240 55,478 77 664,011 29,886 7,504,904

 AO Reimbursable FTE - - - - - - - - -

FY 2021, Total Judiciary 28,487 5,938,544 3,208 1,316,240 55,478 77 664,011 31,772 7,974,273

FY 2021 Summary of Requested Mandatory & Discretionary Changes - Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services (CADCOJS) Details

Salaries 

and Expenses

Defender 

Services

Court 

Security

Total 

CADCOJS
16

Outlays Appropriation FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021

Supreme Court

 Discretionary 82,962 88,134 92,561

 Mandatory 2,650 2,680 2,729

 Total, Salaries and Expenses 85,612 90,814 95,290

 Buildings and Grounds 10,886 21,230 19,710

Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

 Discretionary 30,320 32,410 33,977

 Mandatory 3,041 3,120 3,168

 Total, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit 33,361 35,530 37,145

Court of International Trade

 Discretionary 19,729 18,930 19,828

 Mandatory 1,352 2,099 2,143

 Total, Court of International Trade 21,081 21,029 21,971

Courts of Appeals, District Courts,

 and Other Judicial Services:

 Salaries and Expenses - Discretionary 5,132,997 5,474,841 5,723,781

 Salaries and Expenses - Mandatory 418,225 457,484 469,369

 Total, Salaries and Expenses 5,551,222 5,932,325 6,193,150

 Defender Services 1,155,851 1,243,554 1,356,240

 Fees of Jurors & Commissioners 52,428 54,061 55,531

 Court Security 574,796 642,063 663,833

Total, Courts of Appeals, District Courts,

 and Other Judicial Services 7,334,297 7,872,003 8,268,754

Administrative Office of the United 

 States Courts 90,898 94,699 101,157

Federal Judicial Center 29,467 31,623 32,499

Judicial Retirement Funds (Mandatory) 211,700 240,100 262,300

Sentencing Commission 18,317 19,911 20,742

 Subtotal, Discretionary 7,198,651 7,721,456 8,119,860

 Subtotal, Mandatory 636,968 705,483 739,709

 Total 7,835,619 8,426,939 8,859,569

Outlays - FY 2019 to FY 2021
17

Fiscal Year 2021 Request

Summary by Appropriation
18

PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
19

Supreme Court of the United States

Salaries and Expenses

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

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 9 2,680 513 87,699 522 90,379

Adjustments to Base - 49 - 2,455 - 2,504

Program Increases - - 2 3,476 2 3,476

FY 2021 Appropriation Request 9 2,729 515 93,630 524 96,359

FY 2021 Request

Mandatory Discretionary Total

The U.S. Supreme Court requests $96.4 million ($2.7 million for mandatory expenses and 

$93.6 million for discretionary expenses) in FY 2021 for the Salaries and Expenses account. 

The $93.6 million request for discretionary appropriations represents a $5.9 million increase over 

the FY 2020 enacted discretionary appropriation. This request reflects the necessary adjustments 

to base to maintain current services. Additionally, the Court requests program increases for 

telecommunications upgrades and security improvements for FY 2021.

I. Mandatory Adjustments to Base

The FY 2021 request includes $49,000 for standard pay increases and changes in benefits for the

Chief Justice and the Associate Justices. 

II. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The Supreme Court requests a $2.5 million increase for discretionary expenses in FY 2021 for 

standard pay and other inflationary adjustments. 

III. Program Changes

The FY 2021 request for the Court includes $3.5 million for program increases.

1. Telecommunications and network upgrades: $0.5 million

This request will fund anticipated hardware and software maintenance/licensing costs,

replacement of end-of-life data and voice communications management systems, 

replacement of end-of-life cyber security monitoring components, and additional costs 

associated with implementing new communication services.
20

2. Security program administration: $2.9 million and 2 FTE

This request will fund four administrative positions (2 FTE), hardware and software 

system upgrades, specialized services, and other costs associated with administrative 

improvements to enhance the Supreme Court’s security programs. 

IV. 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 Chief Justice may approve, 

[$87,699,000]$93,630,000, 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.

(P.L. 116-93 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020)

V. Summary of Obligations

Category

FY 2019

Actual

FY 2020

Assumed

FY 2021

Request

Compensation and Benefits 65,959 70,105 73,866

Rent, Communications and Utilities 1,242 1,257 1,282

Travel 1,101 1,365 1,392

Other 17,794 17,652 19,819

Total Obligations 86,096 90,379 96,359

Other Adjustments 1,270 - -

Available Appropriation 87,366 90,379 96,359

 Mandatory Appropriation 2,663 2,680 2,729

 Discretionary Appropriation 84,703 87,699 93,630

U.S. Supreme Court - Salaries and Expenses

Comparative Summary of Obligations by Category

($000)
21

Supreme Court of the United States

Care of the Building and Grounds

FTE ($000)

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 54 15,590

Adjustments to Base - (3,912)

Program Increases - -

FY 2021 Appropriation Request 54 11,678

FY 2021 Request

Discretionary

The U.S. Supreme Court requests $11.7 million for its Care of the Building and Grounds account 

in FY 2021, a decrease of 25.1 percent from the FY 2020 enacted appropriation. 

The Architect of the Capitol provides for the structural and mechanical care of the U.S. 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. The Court requests no program increases for FY 2021.

I. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The Supreme Court requests a net decrease of $3.9 million. The request consists of a net

increase of $0.3 million for standard pay and other inflationary adjustments as well as a decrease 

of $4.2 million for non-recurring costs associated with the electrical systems and critical 

infrastructure project. 

II. 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, [$15,590,000]$11,678,000, to 

remain available until expended.

(P.L. 116-93 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020)
22

III. Summary of Obligations

Category

FY 2019

Actual

FY 2020

Assumed

FY 2021

Request

Compensation and Benefits 5,513 5,600 5,825

Rent, Communications and Utilities 2,584 2,600 2,650

Other 5,642 13,754 10,085

Total Direct Obligations 13,739 21,954 18,560

Other Adjustments 2,260 (6,364) (6,882)

Available Appropriation 15,999 15,590 11,678

U.S. Supreme Court - Care of the Building and Grounds

Comparative Summary of Obligations by Category

($000)
23

 United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Salaries and Expenses

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

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 12 3,120 140 32,700 152 35,820

Adjustments to Base - 48 - 1,323 - 1,371

Program Increases - - - - - -

FY 2021 Appropriation Request 12 3,168 140 34,023 152 37,191

FY 20201 Request

Mandatory Discretionary Total

The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit requests $37.2 million ($3.2 million for mandatory 

expenses and $34.0 million for discretionary expenses) for FY 2021. 

The $34.0 million request for discretionary appropriations represents a 4.0 percent increase over

the FY 2020 enacted discretionary appropriation. This request includes the necessary 

adjustments to base to maintain current services. The Court requests no program increases for 

FY 2021.

I. Mandatory Adjustments to Base

The FY 2021 request includes $48,000 for standard pay and benefits increases for judges. 

II. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The Court requests an increase of $1.6 million for standard pay and other inflationary 

adjustments as well as a decrease of $0.3 million in base requirements associated with cost 

containment and other savings. 

III. 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, [$32,700,000]$34,023,000.

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.

(P.L. 116-93 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020)
24

IV. Summary of Obligations

Category

FY 2019

Actual

FY 2020

Assumed

FY 2021

Request

Compensation and Benefits 20,987 23,564 24,188

Rent, Communications and Utilities 6,305 6,567 7,424

Travel 103 110 115

Other 5,772 5,579 5,464

Total Obligations 33,167 35,820 37,191

Other Adjustments 1,890 - -

Available Appropriation 35,057 35,820 37,191

 Mandatory Appropriation 3,041 3,120 3,168

 Discretionary Appropriation 32,016 32,700 34,023

United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Comparative Summary of Obligations by Category

($000)
25

United States Court of International Trade

Salaries and Expenses

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

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 9 2,099 68 19,564 77 21,663

Adjustments to Base - 44 - 533 - 577

Program Increases - - - - - -

FY 2021 Appropriation Request 9 2,143 68 20,097 77 22,240

FY 2021 Request

Mandatory Discretionary Total

The Court of International Trade requests $22.2 million ($2.1 million for mandatory expenses 

and $20.1 million for discretionary expenses) in FY 2021. 

The $20.1 million request for discretionary appropriations represents a 2.7 percent increase over 

the FY 2020 enacted discretionary appropriation. This request reflects the necessary adjustments 

to base to maintain current services. The Court requests no program increases for FY 2021.

I. Mandatory Adjustments to Base

The FY 2021 request includes $44,000 for standard pay and benefits increases for judges. 

II. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The FY 2021 request includes an increase of $0.5 million for standard pay, other inflationary, 

and other court operating expense increases. 

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, [$19,564,000]$20,097,000.

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.

(P.L. 116-93 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020)
26

IV. Summary of Obligations

Category

FY2019

Actual

FY 2020

Assumed

FY 2021

Request

Compensation and Benefits 8,662 11,144 11,473

Rent, Communications and Utilities 8,131 8,305 8,908

Travel 140 150 153

Other 3,257 2,064 1,706

Total Obligations 20,190 21,663 22,240

Other Adjustments 44 - -

Available Appropriation 20,234 21,663 22,240

 Mandatory Appropriation 1,352 2,099 2,143

 Discretionary Appropriation 18,882 19,564 20,097

United States Court of International Trade

Comparative Summary of Obligations by Category

($000)
27

Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and

Other Judicial Services

Salaries and Expenses

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

FY 2020 Salaries and Expenses Enacted Appropriation 1,870 457,484 26,377 5,250,234 28,247 5,707,718

Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund Enacted Appropriation - - - 9,070 - 9,070

 Total, FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 1,870 457,484 26,377 5,259,304 28,247 5,716,788

Adjustments to Base 16 11,885 76 191,858 92 203,743

Adjustments to Base - Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund - - - 630 - 630

 Total, Adjustmements to Base 16 11,885 76 192,488 92 204,373

Program Changes - - 148 17,383 148 17,383

 Total, Program Changes - - 148 17,383 148 17,383

FY 2021 Salaries and Expenses Appropriation 1,886 469,369 26,601 5,459,475 28,487 5,928,844

Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund Appropriation - - - 9,700 - 9,700

 Total, FY 2021 Appropriation Request 1,886 469,369 26,601 5,469,175 28,487 5,938,544

FY 2021 Request

Mandatory Discretionary Total

The judiciary requests $5,938.5 million for the Salaries and Expenses account in FY 2021, 

including $469.4 million for mandatory expenses; $5,459.5 million for discretionary expenses;

and $9.7 million for the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund. The FY 2021 total 

discretionary request of $5,469.2 million is a 4.0 percent increase over the FY 2020 enacted 

discretionary appropriation. 

The request maintains base funding for operations of the courts and related offices at a current 

services level, as well as program changes for two new magistrate judges and associated support 

staff, changes in court support staff due to workload estimates, and infrastructure requirements 

associated with new courthouse construction projects.

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 fee collections and prior year carryforward balances, to 

offset appropriated funds. The judiciary currently projects that these sources of non-appropriated 

funds will total $388.7 million in FY 2021, $62.9 million below the FY 2020 estimated level of 

$451.6 million.
28

I. Mandatory Adjustments to Base

The FY 2021 request includes $11.9 million for mandatory increases for Article III, senior, and 

bankruptcy judges as follows: 

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

$8.3 million

An increase of $8.3 million will provide for expected changes in pay and benefits for 

Article III, senior, and bankruptcy judges, including the annualization of the January 

2020 pay adjustment. Of the $8.3 million, $0.2 million is requested for the increase to 

the agency contribution rate for bankruptcy judges to the Federal Employees Retirement 

System, which will increase from 16.0 percent to 17.3 percent for most judges.

2. Increase in average number of filled Article III judgeships: $1.8 million and 8 FTE

An increase of $1.8 million will provide for an additional 8 filled Article III judgeship

FTEs anticipated in FY 2021, based on a projected 40 confirmations in FY 2021, offset 

by 34 active judges projected to take senior status or retire.

3. Increase in average number of senior judges: $1.6 million and 7 FTE

An increase of $1.6 million will provide for an additional 7 senior judges anticipated in 

FY 2021.

4. Increase in average number of bankruptcy judgeships: $0.2 million and 1 FTE

An increase of $0.2 million will provide for an additional 1 filled bankruptcy judgeship 

anticipated in FY 2021.

II. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The FY 2021 request includes a net increase of $192.5 million for discretionary adjustments to 

base. This consists of $129.8 million for standard pay and other inflationary increases; a net 

increase of $18.3 million for space-related adjustments; $62.9 million to replace nonappropriated funds; and a net increase of $14.6 million for information technology requirements. 

This is partially offset by a decrease of $33.0 million to court staff salary and non-salary

requirements.

1. Pay and benefit cost adjustment for magistrate and claims court judges: $3.9 million

An increase of $3.9 million will provide for expected changes in pay and benefits for 

magistrate and claims judges. Of this amount, $1.3 million is requested for the increase 

in the agency contribution rate to the Federal Employees Retirement System.
29

2. Increase in the number of filled Article III judges’ staff: $4.8 million and 43 FTE

An increase of $4.8 million will provide for an additional 43 staff FTE to support the

additional 8 filled Article III judgeships anticipated in FY 2021 (noted above in the 

mandatory adjustments to base section).

3. Increase in the number of senior judges’ staff: $3.1 million and 30 FTE

An increase of $3.1 million will provide for an additional 30 staff FTE to support the 7

additional senior judges anticipated in FY 2021 (noted above in the mandatory 

adjustments to base section).

4. Increase in average number of filled bankruptcy judgeships: $0.4 million and 3 FTE

An increase of $0.4 million will provide for an additional 3 staff FTE to support the one

additional filled bankruptcy judgeship anticipated in FY 2021 (noted above in the 

mandatory adjustments to base section). 

5. Pay and benefit adjustments for court personnel: $103.3 million

An increase of $103.3 million will provide for the annualization of the January 2020 pay 

adjustment, assumed January 2021 pay adjustment, within-grade increases, changes in 

benefits rates, and one less compensable day. Of this amount, $31.6 million is requested 

for the increase in the agency contribution rate to the Federal Employees Retirement 

System, which will increase from 16.0 percent to 17.3 percent for most employees. 

6. Funding necessary to maintain FY 2020 current service levels due to an anticipated 

decline in non-appropriated funds: $62.9 million

In FY 2020, $451.6 million in estimated non-appropriated funds were available to finance 

FY 2020 requirements. In FY 2021, the judiciary expects $388.7 million in nonappropriated funds to be available, which is a decrease of $62.9 million from FY 2020. 

Therefore, the judiciary requests $62.9 million in appropriations to replace this funding.

7. Reduction to FY 2021 base due to court salary and non-salary requirements: 

($33.0 million)

A decrease of $33.0 million is associated with periodic re-assessments of court needs that 

reduces base requirements to reflect lower anticipated court spending on salary and 

operating expenses. 

8. Non-pay inflationary and contractual increases: $13.6 million

An increase of $13.6 million is requested for a 2.0 percent general inflationary increase 

and other contractual and miscellaneous increases.
30

9. Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund: $0.6 million

The FY 2021 level reflects an increase of $0.6 million for standard pay and non-pay 

inflationary adjustments for the Vaccine Injury program.

10. GSA space rental and related expenses: $18.3 million

The FY 2021 request includes a net increase of $18.3 million for General Services 

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

a) inflationary adjustments (2.0 percent) to the GSA space rental base costs (+$21.0

million),

b) new space to be delivered in FY 2021 (+$5.2 million), 

c) savings associated with the space reduction program (-$2.0 million), and

d) other space-related adjustments (-$6.0 million). 

11. Information technology (IT) requirements: $14.6 million

The FY 2021 request includes a net increase of $14.6 million consisting of:

a) the continued implementation of ongoing IT projects (+$15.5 million) and 

b) contractor conversion savings (-$0.9 million).

III. Program Changes

The FY 2021 request includes an increase of $17.4 million for program changes. These changes

include:

1. New FY 2021 full-time magistrate judges and staff: $1.3 million and 9 FTE

The judiciary requests an additional $1.3 million for 2 additional magistrate judge 

positions (2 FTE), 7 support staff (7 FTE), and associated operating costs for the 

following locations:

• Eastern District of Missouri at St. Louis, 1 judgeship

• Southern District of California at San Diego, 1 judgeship

2. FY 2021 Court Support Staffing due to workload changes: $13.6 million and 139 FTE

The judiciary requests an increase of $13.6 million for 278 new court support staff (139 

FTE) in appellate, bankruptcy, district, and probation and pretrial services offices in 

FY 2021 based on projected changes in workload.
31

3. Infrastructure costs for new courthouse construction projects: $2.5 million

The request reflects a net increase of $2.5 million which includes $3.0 million for IT 

requirements partially offset by a decrease of $0.5 million for furniture, moves, and other 

miscellaneous costs associated with new courthouse construction projects funded in FY 

2016.

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, repair, and cleaning of uniforms for 

Probation and Pretrial Services Office staff, as authorized by law, [$5,250,234,000]

$5,459,475,000 (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 [$9,070,000]$9,700,000, to be appropriated from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust 

Fund. 

(P.L. 116-93 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020)

Appellate 12 $1,393 

Bankruptcy 1 106 

District 32 2,682 

Probation/Pretrial 94 9,418 

Total 139 $13,599 

Court Support Staffing

Program

Fiscal Year 

2021 FTE

Dollars in 

Thousands
32

V. Summary of Obligations

Category

FY 2019

Actual

FY 2020

Assumed

FY 2021

Request

Compensation and Benefits 3,691,752 3,979,955 4,088,831

Rent, Communications and Utilities 1,072,203 1,181,680 1,197,526

Travel 64,257 68,751 77,912

Other 1,013,166 938,031 962,980

Total Obligations 5,841,378 6,168,417 6,327,249

Other Adjustments (278,770) (460,699) (398,405)

Available Appropriation (Direct) 5,562,608 5,707,718 5,928,844

Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund 8,475 9,070 9,700

Total Available Appropriation 5,571,083 5,716,788 5,938,544

 Mandatory Appropriation 418,225 457,484 469,369

 Discretionary Appropriation - Salaries and 

 Expenses Direct 5,144,383 5,250,234 5,459,475

 Discretionary Appropriation - Vaccine Injury

 Compensation Trust Fund 8,475 9,070 9,700

Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Other Judicial Services

Salaries and Expenses

Comparative Summary of Obligations by Category

($000)

VI. Budget Request by Category
33

VII. Court Support Staffing

VIII. Judiciary Workload Factors

Criminal Filings 64,027 60,866 61,021 58,121 67,257 73,012 78,800

Year-to-Year Change: -8.1% -4.9% 0.3% -4.8% 15.7% 8.6% 7.9%

Criminal Defendants Filed 84,017 79,154 79,968 75,235 84,828 90,541 95,100

Year-to-Year Change: -8.5% -5.8% 1.0% -5.9% 12.8% 6.7% 5.0%

Civil Filings 298,713 280,037 290,430 271,721 281,202 293,520 294,700

Year-to-Year Change: 5.5% -6.3% 3.7% -6.4% 3.5% 4.4% 0.4%

Appellate Filings 55,260 53,032 60,099 52,028 49,220 47,783 50,900

Year-to-Year Change: -2.0% -4.0% 13.3% -13.4% -5.4% -2.9% 6.5%

Bankruptcy Filings 1,000,083 879,736 819,159 796,037 775,578 773,361 787,600

Year-to-Year Change: -12.1% -12.0% -6.9% -2.8% -2.6% -0.3% 1.8%

Pretrial Services: Cases Activated 98,122 90,588 88,140 82,265 90,951 98,627 106,900

Year-to-Year Change: -4.2% -7.7% -2.7% -6.7% 10.6% 8.4% 8.4%

Pretrial Services: Persons Under Supervision 50,261 46,968 45,623 43,998 43,997 46,539 48,400

Year-to-Year Change: -5.2% -6.6% -2.9% -3.6% 0.0% 5.8% 4.0%

Probation: Presentence Reports 69,453 62,346 59,562 60,669 60,498 66,622 72,200

Year-to-Year Change: -2.0% -10.2% -4.5% 1.9% -0.3% 10.1% 8.4%

Probation: Persons Under Supervision 132,597 133,428 137,882 135,947 131,036 128,649 129,200

Year-to-Year Change: 0.2% 0.6% 3.3% -1.4% -3.6% -1.8% 0.4%

* Both actual and projected workload factors are for 12-month periods ending June 30 each year.

WORKLOAD FACTOR * Actual 2014 Actual 2015 Actual 2016 Actual 2017 Actual 2018 Actual 2019 Projected 2020
34

IX. 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 requirements. Fee collections, primarily from court filing fees, comprise 

the majority of these sources of funds. These funds are used to offset expenses within the 

Salaries and Expenses account, allowing the judiciary to request fewer appropriated dollars from 

Congress.

“Unencumbered” Funds

In addition to fee collections, in certain instances the judiciary may carry forward funds from one 

year to the next. These carryforward funds are considered “unencumbered” when they are 

generated by savings in the financial plan where budgeted costs did not materialize, such as 

slower than expected hiring 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 2021 requirements. As the table below indicates, the judiciary has estimated that 

unencumbered funds will total $388.7 million in FY 2021, including $213.7 million in new fee 

collections and $175.0 million in other unencumbered carryforward. This level of 

unencumbered funds represents a decrease of $62.9 million from the $451.6 million estimated in 

FY 2020 to help finance court operations. The judiciary requests $62.9 million to replace these 

non-appropriated funds in order to maintain current services in FY 2021. 

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 2020.

Sources of Non-Appropriated Unencumbered Funds

in Salaries and Expenses

($000)

FY 2020 FY 2021

Plan Request

Fee Collections 203,489 213,705 10,216 

Other Carryforward 248,140 175,000 (73,140)

Total, NonAppropriated Sources 

of Funding, Excluding 

Encumbered Funds

451,629 388,705 (62,924)

Dollars in Thousands Difference
35

“Encumbered” Funds

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

for the funds shift, or slip, to the next year. The judiciary has no-year authority for specific 

purposes for multi-year IT investments and new space-related requirements. Further, in some 

cases, similar to unencumbered funds described above, carryforward of fee balances from the 

prior year includes savings where planned expenses did not occur. This authority is used when 

planned expenses are delayed, or slipped, from one year to the next. In FY 2020, $170.0 million 

of financing and requirements were slipped from FY 2019. 

“Encumbered” funds, while adding to the judiciary’s projected obligations in a given fiscal year, 

do not impact the judiciary’s appropriation requirements. 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.
36

PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
37

Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and

Other Judicial Services

Defender Services

FTE ($000)

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 3,070 1,234,574

Adjustments to Base 23 48,030

Program Increases 116 33,636

FY 2021 Appropriation Request 3,208 1,316,240

FY 2021 Request

Discretionary

The judiciary requests $1,316.2 million for Defender Services in FY 2021, a 6.6 percent increase

over the FY 2020 enacted appropriation. This FY 2021 request reflects the necessary adjustments 

to base to maintain current services, as well as program increases for a $1 per hour above-inflation 

increase to the non-capital panel attorney hourly rate (from $154 to $155); continued 

implementation of the federal defender organization (FDO) staffing formula; additional FDO panel 

management, national information technology, national litigation support, and reimbursable 

positions; the creation of an FDO staffing reserve; IT requirements; and litigation support/training

and software.

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 Criminal Justice Act 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 $48.0 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 2021. These increases include:

1. Pay and benefit adjustments: $27.0 million

An increase of $27.0 million will provide for the annualization of the January 2020 pay 

adjustment (including inflationary panel rate adjustments), assumed January 2021 pay 

adjustment (including inflationary panel rate adjustments), within-grade increases, changes 

in benefits rates, and one less compensable day. Of this amount, $5.8 million is requested 

for the increase in the agency contribution rate to the Federal Employees Retirement 

System.
38

2. Other inflationary increases: $7.5 million

An increase of $7.5 million is required for inflationary adjustments for non-pay categories, 

including space rental costs.

3. Change in projected panel attorney workload: $7.7 million

The requested increase represents the costs associated with a change in panel attorney 

caseload. Panel attorney representations are projected to be 92,800 in FY 2021. This is an 

increase of 1,900 above the assumed FY 2020 panel caseload of 90,900 representations.

4. Annualization of FY 2020 positions: $5.7 million and 23 FTE

Funding is required to annualize FY 2020 positions consisting of 42 federal public defender 

organization (FPDO) positions (21 FTE); 11 community defender organization (CDO) 

positions; 3 national positions (2 FTE); and 4 reimbursable positions that will support the 

Defender Services Office.

5. Increase in appropriations needed to fund current services: $0.1 million

In FY 2020, $30.1 million in balances from FY 2019 and prior years will be available to 

finance FY 2020 requirements. In FY 2021, the judiciary expects $30.0 million in nonappropriated funds to be available, a decrease of $0.1 million from FY 2020. Because the 

judiciary anticipates having $0.1 million less in carryforward funding available in FY 2021, 

it requests $0.1 million in funding to substitute direct appropriations for base expenses 

previously funded from carryforward balances.

II. Program Increases

The FY 2021 request includes $33.6 million for program increases. These increases include:

1. Change in projected FDO workload: $23.9 million and 96 FTE

The FY 2021 request includes an increase of $23.9 million and 96 FTE for 237 additional 

FDO staff funded for six months (193 FPDO positions/96 FTE and 44 CDO positions) for 

the continued implementation of the FDO staffing formula. The additional staff would 

allow authorized staffing levels to reach 98 percent of formula requirements.

2. CJA panel management positions: $1.3 million and 5 FTE

The requested increase supports 13 additional FDO panel attorney management positions 

consisting of 10 positions (5 FTE) for FPDOs and 3 positions for CDOs. These positions 

are necessary for FDOs to effectively and efficiently administer the CJA panel in districts 

where that responsibility is held by the FDO.
39

3. National positions: $0.4 million and 3 FTE

The requested increase supports 5 national positions (3 FTE). Of the 5 positions, 3 

positions (2 FTE) are related to IT and are necessary to ensure that Defender IT systems are 

secure and mission capable. The other 2 positions (1 FTE) will support the national 

litigation support team by providing panel attorneys and FDOs with project management 

and technical assistance.

4. Non-capital panel attorney hourly rate increase: $0.3 million

The requested funding supports a $1 hourly above-inflation rate increase to $155 per hour 

for non-capital panel attorney work performed on or after January 1, 2021. This would 

bring the non-capital panel attorney hourly rate to the statutory maximum. 

5. Reimbursable positions: $0.6 million

The requested increase supports 8 additional reimbursable positions for the AO’s Defender 

Services Office. Of the 8 positions, 3 positions are for the Program Operations Division

within the AO’s Defender Services Office and will aid in oversight of the defender services 

program. One position is for the Training Division within the AO’s Defender Services 

Office and will support training programs that assist federal defender staff and panel 

attorneys in better representing their clients. The remaining 4 positions will support higher 

workload demands associated with financial transactions, data management, program 

operation, training, and implementing CJA-related policies approved by the Judicial 

Conference.

6. FDO Staffing Reserve: $2.5 million and 12 FTE

The requested reserve will provide the Defender Services program with more flexibility to 

quickly allocate additional resources to FDOs in response to significant caseload pressures, 

including substantial and unexpected surges in workload due to changes in law and 

practice. Any additive FTEs allocated to address caseload surges would be temporary and 

only approved for that specific fiscal year. 

7. Information technology requirements: $3.8 million

The FY 2021 request includes: (1) $1.9 million for the cyclical replacement of the FDO 

server infrastructure, which will improve IT asset management practices and (2) $1.9 

million for a national log management tool, which will help to monitor and identify 

malicious activity on the FDO network. 

8. Litigation support/training and software: $0.8 million

This request is part of a national litigation support strategy to maintain a technology 

infrastructure and execute an education plan on litigation support tools and services. The
40

requested increase would provide training on mobile forensics, electronic discovery, and 

social media capture tools. In addition, electronic discovery is now present in almost every 

type or representation, and therefore needs to be a part of most training programs. 

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, [$1,234,574,000]$1,316,240,000, to remain available 

until expended.

(P.L. 116-93 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020)
41

IV. Summary of Obligations

Category

FY 2019

Actual

FY 2020

Assumed

FY 2021

Request

Compensation and Benefits 471,565 505,700 543,035

Rent, Communications and Utilities 50,923 54,821 58,327

Travel 14,459 15,264 16,541

Contractual Services (includes panel attorney payments) 460,243 497,427 518,550

Other (includes grants to Community Defender Organizations) 180,003 194,262 209,787

Total Direct Obligations 1,177,193 1,267,474 1,346,240

Encumbered Carryforward (1,288) (2,800) -

Total Obligations (Excluding Encumbered Carryforward) 1,175,905 1,264,674 1,346,240

Other Adjustments (25,455) (30,100) (30,000)

Available Appropriation 1,150,450 1,234,574 1,316,240

Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Other Judicial Services

Comparative Summary of Obligations by Category

($000)

Defender Services

V. Budget Request by Category

Federal Defender 

Organizations

65%

Panel Attorneys

34%

Program 

Administration

1%

FY 2021 Budget Request

Defender Services Account

(Obligations)
42

VI. Defender Services Workload Factors

FDO Weighted Representations*

Workload 

Factor

2015 

Actual

2016 

Actual

2017 

Actual

2018 

Actual

2019 

Actual

2020

Projected

FDO Weighted 

Representations 121,060 128,767 131,024 142,750 152,496 154,300

Year-to-Year 

Change 6.4% 1.8% 8.9% 6.8% 1.2%

*Statistical data is for a 12-month period through March 31 of each year.

Panel Attorney Representations*

Workload

Factor

2015

Actual

2016 

Actual

2017 

Actual

2018 

Actual

2019 

Actual

2020 

Projected

2021

Projected

Panel Attorney

Representations 81,240 80,043 79,352 77,130 89,079 90,900 92,800

Year-to-Year

Change -1.5% -0.9% -2.8% 15.5% 2.0% 2.1%

*Statistical data is for a 12-month period through March 31 of each year.
43

Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and

Other Judicial Services

Fees of Jurors and Commissioners

FTE ($000)

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation - 53,545

Adjustments to Base - 1,933

Program Increases - -

FY 2021 Appropriation Request - 55,478

FY 2021 Request

Discretionary

The judiciary requests $55.5 million for Fees of Jurors and Commissioners in FY 2021, a 3.6

percent increase over the FY 2020 enacted appropriation. The FY 2021 request reflects the 

necessary adjustments to base to maintain current services. 

Costs associated with this account can 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 2021 request includes an increase of $1.9 million in adjustments to base associated with 

inflationary adjustments and projected changes in juror days. 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 2021. These adjustments include:

1. Inflationary adjustments: $0.6 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 $0.4 million for petit jurors in FY 2021.

2. Projected change in juror days: $0.9 million

Overall expenses for grand and petit jurors are expected to increase by a $0.9 million in FY

2021 based on the projected number of available grand and petit jurors.

3. Increase in appropriations needed to fund current services: $0.4 million

The FY 2020 financial plan for this account was financed in part by $1.4 million in 

carryforward balances from FY 2019 and prior years. The judiciary has estimated that only 

$1.0 million in carryforward balances from FY 2020 will be available to finance FY 2021
44

requirements, a decrease of $0.4 million. Therefore, the FY 2021 request includes $0.4 

million in appropriated funds to replace this funding.

II. 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 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)), [$53,545,000]$55,478,000, 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.

(P.L. 116-93 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020)

III. Summary of Obligations

Category

FY 2019

Actual

FY 2020

Assumed

FY 2021

Request

Compensation and Benefits 26,280 27,356 27,565

Rent, Communications and Utilities 2,681 2,694 2,825

Travel 21,796 22,216 23,237

Other 2,707 2,719 2,851

Total Direct Obligations 53,464 54,985 56,478

Other Adjustments (3,714) (1,440) (1,000)

Available Appropriation 49,750 53,545 55,478

Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Other Judicial Services

Comparative Summary of Obligations by Category

($000)

Fees of Jurors and Commissioners
45

IV. Budget Request by Category
46

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47

Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and

Other Judicial Services

Court Security

FTE ($000)

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 75 639,165

Adjustments to Base - 10,903

Program Increases 2 13,943

FY 2021 Appropriation Request 77 664,011

Discretionary

FY 2021 Request

The judiciary requests $664.0 million for Court Security in FY 2021, a 3.9 percent increase over 

the FY 2020 enacted appropriation. This FY 2021 request reflects the necessary adjustments to 

base to maintain current services. The request also includes program increases for the continued 

implementation of the physical access control systems (PACS) replacement strategy; security 

infrastructure and additional court security officers (CSOs) for new courthouses; the phased

implementation of an equipment modernization and cyclical replacement strategy for video 

management system (VMS), screening equipment and staffing; and the sustainment of the 

facility access card (FAC) program. 

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

responsible for administering the Judicial Facility Security Program. 

I. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The Court Security account requests $10.9 million for adjustments to base for pay and benefits, 

inflationary increases, and other adjustments to maintain current services in FY 2021. These 

adjustments include:

1. Pay and benefits adjustments: net ($1.3 million)

This includes an increase of $0.5 million for January 2021 pay adjustments, annualization 

of January 2020 pay adjustments, within-grade increases, changes in benefit rates, and 

one less compensable day for the 75 FTEs funded by this account. It also includes a 

decrease of $1.9 million for CSO costs due to one less compensable day.

2. Annualization of CSO positions (103): $4.6 million

Funding is required to annualize costs for 103 additional CSO positions expected to be 

hired in FY 2020, consisting of 69 CSO positions for the phased implementation of the 

revised CSO staffing standards and 34 additional CSO positions needed to staff new 

courthouse construction projects.
48

3. Annualization of district supervisor positions (11): $0.6 million

Funding is required to annualize costs for 11 new district supervisors (contractors) to 

support the CSO program.

4. FY 2021 CSO contract and wage rate adjustments: $7.6 million

This increase provides for an average 3.0 percent wage adjustment for contract CSOs, as 

established by the U.S. Department of Labor and based on collective bargaining 

agreements.

5. Non-pay inflationary increase: $1.0 million

An increase of $1.0 million is requested for a 2.0 percent general inflationary increase for 

travel, supplies, equipment, and other contractual services (exclusive of CSO contracts).

6. GSA space rental increase: $0.2 million

The request represents an inflationary increase and adjustments in the cost of GSA space 

rental charges for space for FY 2021. 

7. Changes in Federal Protective Service security charges: net ($3.3 million)

The requested net decrease of $3.3 million will fund basic and building-specific security 

expenses based on anticipated billings from the Department of Homeland Security 

Federal Protective Service (FPS). The total request for FPS charges is $84.5 million in 

FY 2021, which is a 3.8 percent decrease from the $87.9 million projected for FY 2020. 

($000) FY 2020 FY 2021 Difference

Basic 34,691 29,712 (4,979)

Building-Specific 53,199 54,831 1,632

Total FPS 87,890 84,543 (3,347)

8. Adjustments to base for security systems and equipment: $1.7 million

The requested amount reflects an increase of $1.7 million in the court security systems 

and equipment acquisition plan (excluding proposed program increases). This includes 

increases for other additional and replacement equipment; the nationwide maintenance 

contract for existing security systems and equipment; perimeter security improvements; 

GSA installation/alterations; cyclical replacement of x-ray screening equipment and 

walk-through metal detectors; and various miscellaneous systems and equipment.
49

II. Program Increases

The FY 2021 request includes $13.9 million for program increases. These increases include:

1. Physical access control systems (PACS) replacement strategy: $5.0 million

The FY 2021 request includes an additional $5.0 million to implement the PACS 

replacement strategy, for a total of $37.0 million to replace PACS at significant risk of 

failure. The judiciary’s strategy is to seek increases in PACS funding by approximately 

$5 million each year from FY 2019 to FY 2022 to replace old and failing building access 

systems at court facilities nationwide.

2. New courthouse construction projects

a. Security infrastructure for new courthouses: net $1.3 million

The FY 2021 request includes: (1) a decrease of $1.5 million associated with nonrecurring security requirements funded in FY 2020 for new courthouse construction 

projects and (2) an increase of $2.8 million for new security systems and screening 

equipment at the new courthouses or annexes planned for Toledo, OH and Savannah, 

GA. 

b. Additional CSOs (31) for new courthouses: $2.0 million

The FY 2021 request includes $2.0 million for an additional 31 CSO positions for new 

courthouses or annexes nearing completion in Charlotte, NC; San Antonio, TX; 

Anniston, AL; and Greenville, MS. These positions are needed to adequately staff new 

courthouse construction projects that are projected to be open in FY 2021 or early FY 

2022.

3. Equipment modernization and cyclical replacement strategy

a. Video management systems (VMS): $3.7 million

The FY 2021 request includes an additional $3.7 million for modernization and cyclical 

replacement of aging VMS. With the $6.3 million available in FY 2020, there will be 

$10.0 million for VMS in FY 2021.

b. Screening equipment: $0.6 million

The FY 2021 request includes an additional $0.6 million for screening equipment. With 

the $3.8 million available in FY 2020 combined with $0.2 million in FY 2021 

inflationary adjustments, there will be $4.6 million for the modernization and cyclical 

replacement of aging screening equipment in FY 2021.
50

c. Staffing: $0.3 million and 2 FTE

The FY 2021 request includes $0.3 million for four new positions (2 FTE) at the USMS 

to support the equipment modernization and cyclical replacement strategy.

4. Facility access card (FAC) sustainment: $1.0 million

In FY 2020, the Court Security budget request included $2.0 million in recurring, annual 

funding for operating and maintaining the FAC program. Based on revised cost 

estimates, a total of $3.0 million in annual funding will be required for FAC sustainment

for FY 2021.

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), [$639,165,000]$664,011,000, 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.

(P.L. 116-93 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020)
51

IV. Summary of Obligations

Category

FY 2019

Actual

FY 2020

Assumed

FY 2021

Request

Compensation and Benefits 9,515 11,663 12,132

Rent, Communications and Utilities 7,685 8,976 9,140

Travel 1,788 614 626

Court Security Officers Contract 409,452 438,748 451,900

Federal Protective Service Charges 83,004 87,890 84,543

Other 102,511 118,266 115,670

Total Direct Obligations 613,955 666,157 674,011

Other Adjustments (6,845) (26,992) (10,000)

Available Appropriation 607,110 639,165 664,011

Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Other Judicial Services

Comparative Summary of Obligations by Category

($000)

Court Security
52

V. Budget Request by Category
53

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

Salaries and Expenses

FTE ($000)

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 622 94,261

Adjustments to Base - 3,887

Program Increases 10 1,664

FY 2021 Appropriation Request 632 99,812

Discretionary

FY 2021 Request

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) requests $99.8 million in FY 2021, a 5.9

percent increase over the FY 2020 enacted appropriation. The FY 2021 request reflects the 

necessary adjustments to base to maintain current services and program increases to expand the 

Office of Judicial Integrity and strengthen procurement, compliance, and internal controls.

In addition to the appropriation provided by Congress, the AO receives non-appropriated 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 other services that are in direct support of the courts, 

the court security program, and defender services. 

I. Discretionary Adjustments to Base

The AO requests $3.9 million in adjustments to base in FY 2021 for standard pay, benefit, and 

other inflationary adjustments. 

II. Program Increases

The FY 2021 request includes $1.7 million for program increases. These increases include:

1. Expand Office of Judicial Integrity: $0.4 million and 2 FTE

The Office of Judicial Integrity was established in 2018 to provide guidance and 

assistance regarding workplace conduct to all judiciary employees. The first judicial 

integrity officer was named in December 2018. This request provides $0.4 million for 

the full-year salaries, benefits, and expenses of two staff positions to expand the office.
54

2. Procurement reform: $1.1 million and 6.5 FTE

The FY 2021 request includes $1.1 million and 13 positions (6.5 FTE) to improve 

procurement and contract management practices at the AO. The request consists of 7 

positions (3.5 FTE) for training and certifying contracting officer representatives, 1 

position (0.5 FTE) for training and certification in the pre-award functions, 1 position 

(0.5 FTE) for contract standardization and internal training and development, and 4 

positions (2.0 FTE) to strengthen contract procurement management practices in the 

offices served.

3. Audit compliance support: $0.1 million and 0.5 FTE

The FY 2021 request includes $0.1 million and 1 position (0.5 FTE) for a Compliance 

Officer, whose focus would be remediation of audit findings and corrective action 

planning.

4. AO internal control self-assessment training: $0.1 million and 0.5 FTE

The FY 2021 request includes $0.1 million and 1 position (0.5 FTE) for self-assessment 

training at the AO, which will enable the AO to evaluate compliance with internal control 

standards. 

III. 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, 

[$94,261,000]$99,812,000, of which not to exceed $8,500 is authorized for official reception and 

representation expenses.

(P.L. 116-93 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020)
55

IV. Summary of Obligations

Category

FY 2019

Actual

FY 2020

Assumed

FY 2021

Request

Compensation and Benefits 193,516 218,774 229,724

Rent, Communications and Utilities 470 673 692

Travel 1,737 2,066 2,124

Other 10,608 8,330 7,955

Total Direct Obligations 206,331 229,843 240,495

Other Adjustments (21,594) (23,770) (20,340)

Reimbursable Program (92,324) (111,812) (120,343)

Available Appropriation 92,413 94,261 99,812

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

Comparative Summary of Obligations by Category

($000)
56

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57

Federal Judicial Center

Salaries and Expenses

FTE ($000)

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 128 30,436

Adjustments to Base - 908

Program Increases - -

FY 2021 Appropriation Request 128 31,344

FY 2021 Request

Discretionary

The Federal Judicial Center (FJC) requests $31.3 million in FY 2021, a 3.0 percent increase over 

the FY 2020 enacted appropriation. This request reflects the necessary adjustments to base to 

maintain current services. The FJC requests no program increases for FY 2021.

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 from 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, benefit, 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, 

[$30,436,000]$31,344,000; of which $1,800,000 shall remain available until September 30, 

[2021]2022, 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.

(P.L. 116-93 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020)
58

III. Summary of Obligations

Category

FY 2019

Actual

FY 2020

Assumed

FY 2021

Request

Compensation and Benefits 20,167 21,441 22,167

Rent, Communications and Utilities 497 532 542

Travel 6,228 6,554 6,616

Other 3,344 2,324 2,369

Total Direct Obligations 30,236 30,851 31,694

Other Adjustments (417) (415) (350)

Available Appropriation 29,819 30,436 31,344

Federal Judicial Center

Comparative Summary of Obligations by Category

($000)
59

United States Sentencing Commission

Salaries and Expenses

FTE ($000)

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation 95 19,670

Adjustments to Base - 586

Program Increases - -

FY 2021 Appropriation Request 95 20,256

FY 2021 Request

Discretionary

The United States Sentencing Commission (the Commission) requests $20.3 million in FY 2021, 

a 3.0 percent increase over the FY 2020 enacted appropriation. The FY 2021 request reflects the 

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

program increases for FY 2021.

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 for increases to standard pay, 

benefit, and other inflationary adjustments. 

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, [$19,670,000]$20,256,000, of which not to exceed $1,000 is authorized for 

official reception and representation expenses.

(P.L. 116-93 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020)
60

III. Summary of Obligations

Category

FY 2019

Actual

FY 2020

Assumed

FY 2021

Request

Compensation and Benefits 13,797 15,345 15,999

Rent, Communications and Utilities 29 23 30

Travel 219 349 308

Other 4,679 3,953 3,919

Total Direct Obligations 18,724 19,670 20,256

Other Adjustments 229 - -

Available Appropriation 18,953 19,670 20,256

United States Sentencing Commission

Comparative Summary of Obligations by Category

($000)
61

Title III Administrative Provisions – The Judiciary

Note: For bill language, the judiciary used the language from P.L. 116-93, Financial 

Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020. Therefore, the bracketed 

and italicized changes reflected below are being made to FY 2020 language as it appears in 

Public Law 116-93.

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 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 matter following paragraph 12–]

[(1)]in the second sentence (relating to the District of Kansas) following paragraph 

(12), by striking ‘‘[28]29 years and 6 months’’ and inserting ‘‘[29]30 years and 6 months’’.[; 

and]
62

[(2) in the sixth sentence (relating to the District of Hawaii), by striking ‘‘25 years and 

6 months’’ and inserting ‘‘26 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 ‘‘[26]27 years and 6 months’’ and inserting 

‘‘[27]28 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 ‘‘[17]18 years’’ and inserting ‘‘[18]19

years’’;

(4) by adding at the end of the first sentence the following: “The first vacancy in the 

office of district judge in the northern district of Alabama occurring 18 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 ‘‘[16]17 years and 6 months’’ and inserting ‘‘[17]18 years and 6 months’’; and

([3]6) in the [third]fourth sentence (relating to the western district of North Carolina), 

by striking ‘‘[15]16 years’’ and inserting ‘‘[16]17 years’’.

This title may be cited as the ‘‘Judiciary Appropriations Act, [2020]2021’’.

Explanation of Changes

• Revised Section 306: The above language extends eight temporary district judgeships for 12 

months each: Arizona, California-Central, Florida-Southern, Kansas, Missouri-Eastern, New 

Mexico, North Carolina-Western, and Texas-Eastern. 

• No extensions are requested for Alabama-Northern and Hawaii as the caseload in those 

districts do not meet Judicial Conference criteria for extensions.

• Below is a cross reference for the extension language above and the judgeship(s) affected:

- (a) Extends the temporary judgeship in Kansas for 12 months.

- (b) Extends the temporary judgeship in Missouri-Eastern for 12 months.

- (c)(3) Extends the temporary judgeships in Arizona, Florida-Southern, New Mexico, and 

Texas-Eastern for 12 months.

- (c)(5) Extends the temporary judgeship in California-Central for 12 months.

- (c)(6) Extends the temporary judgeship in North Carolina-Western for 12 months.
63

Judicial Retirement Funds

Payment to Judiciary Trust Funds

FTE ($000)

FY 2020 Enacted Appropriation - 240,100

Adjustments to Base - 22,200

FY 2021 Appropriation Request - 262,300

FY 2021 Request

Mandatory

The judiciary requests $262.3 million in mandatory appropriations for the Judicial Retirement 

Funds in FY 2021, a 9.2 percent increase above the FY 2020 enacted level. 

The Payment to the Judiciary Trust Funds is a 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, a net increase of $22.2 million is required for this 

account for FY 2021. 

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--

(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).
64

(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.

(P.L. 116-93 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020)

III. Summary of Obligations

Category

FY 2019

Actual

FY 2020

Assumed

FY 2021

Request

Other - Judicial Officers' Retirement Fund 181,300 203,900 229,400

Other - Judicial Survivors' Annuities Fund 26,000 32,400 29,100

Other - United States Court of Federal Claims 

Judges' Retirement Fund 4,400 3,800 3,800

Total Obligations/Appropriations 211,700 240,100 262,300

Judicial Retirement Funds

Comparative Summary of Obligations by Category

($000)
65

Judiciary Space Priorities

for the

Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Request
66

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67

The federal courthouse construction program is administered jointly 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, acquires the building site, 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 out-year courthouse construction priorities.

Management of Fiscal Year 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, this FY 2016 courthouse construction funding is being used to fully fund 

eight projects: Nashville, Tennessee; Toledo, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; Des Moines, 

Iowa; Greenville, South Carolina; Anniston, Alabama; Savannah, Georgia; and San Antonio, 

Texas. Partial funding was also provided for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 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, Mississippi, and Rutland, Vermont. 

Joint courthouse/federal building projects are prioritized by GSA and do not appear on the 

judiciary’s CPP. All the courthouse projects have been authorized by both the House Committee 

on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public 

Works. 

Each of these projects is in a different stage of development and construction. The AO continues 

to engage with GSA, USMS, and other Executive Branch stakeholders to ensure that additional 

milestones are reached, and projects remain on track. These activities include regular 

coordination and project status meetings; development of a communications and program 

management plan; establishment of a National Courthouse Change Management Board to 

provide key oversight of the changes impacting scope, schedule, and budget; and deployment of 

a program management dashboard to track progress. Coordination continues among judiciary 

stakeholders to address issues impacting the portfolio including risks, policies, and best 

practices.

Courthouse Construction
68

Management of Fiscal Year 2018 Funding

In FY 2018, Congress provided the remainder of funding needed to complete the project in 

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania ($137.2 million), as well as complete construction funding for two 

additional projects: Huntsville, Alabama ($110.0 million), and Fort Lauderdale, Florida ($190.1 

million). Both the Huntsville and Fort Lauderdale projects have received authorization and are 

underway.

Update to the CPP

In September 2019, the Judicial Conference of the United States approved an updated CPP list 

for FY 2021 and beyond. For FY 2021, Part I of the CPP includes two projects:

• Hartford, Connecticut – $271.2 million for site acquisition, design, and construction

• Chattanooga, Tennessee – $189.1 million for site acquisition, design, and construction

The approved CPP reflects the addition of one new location – Bowling Green, Kentucky. Based 

on the judiciary’s Asset Management Planning (AMP) process, Urgency Evaluation scores, and 

the recommendations in the project’s completed GSA feasibility study, Bowling Green was 

added to Part II of the CPP, where it joins Greensboro/Winston Salem, North Carolina; San 

Juan, Puerto Rico; McAllen, Texas; and Norfolk, Virginia. 

. 
69

Courthouse Project ($000)

Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse, Detroit, 

Michigan 11,600

U.S Courthouse, Augusta, Georgia 19,800

FY 2021 Request 31,400

FY 2021 Request

The Capital Security Program (CSP) is funded as a Special Emphasis Program within GSA’s

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. 

Fiscal Year 2021 Projects

The judiciary requests $31.4 million in FY 2021 for GSA to address security deficiencies at 

existing courthouses through the CSP. FY 2021 funds are requested for the following projects1

:

1. Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse, Detroit, Michigan. $11.6 million

The Levin Courthouse was constructed in 1934 and is listed on the National Register of 

Historic Places. The 402,935 usable square feet, ten-story plus basement structure houses 

13 courtrooms and 13 chambers. Security deficiencies at this courthouse will be partially 

addressed by constructing an enclosed USMS sally port, adding a visitor access enclosure, 

providing courtroom holding cells on two floors, and incorporating a detention grade 

elevator cab in the existing shared freight elevator shaft to provide improved prisoner 

movement. This project was requested in FY 2019 and FY 2020, but funding was not 

provided in either year.

2. U.S. Courthouse, Augusta, Georgia: $19.8 million

The U.S. Courthouse in Augusta was constructed in 1916 and expanded in 1930. It is 

listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 28,321 usable square feet, threestory plus basement structure houses two courtrooms, one hearing room, and three 

chambers. Security deficiencies at this courthouse will be addressed by replacing an 

existing open air carport with an enclosed USMS sally port and separate judges’ parking 

area, enlarging/reconfiguring the existing security screening queuing area, providing a 

________________

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 the CSP and the most 

recent cost estimates available at the time of appropriation. 

Judiciary Capital Security Program
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dedicated judges’ elevator and a dedicated prisoner elevator, reconfiguring the first floor 

to provide secure and restricted circulation paths for prisoners and judges, and 

constructing a new prisoner movement circulation corridor over the first-floor roof to 

provide secure circulation on the second floor. This project was requested in FY 2019 

and FY 2020, but funding was not provided in either year.