In the event that Congress does not pass a fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations bill to continue funding the federal government beyond midnight on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, federal agencies will have to implement shutdown plans immediately. Under such a lapse in appropriations scenario, it is expected that the Judiciary will be able to sustain paid operations through the use of fee balances and no-year appropriations for three days, or through October 3, 2025.   

Should the lapse in appropriations persist and the Judiciary reaches a point where unfunded operations occur, scheduled hearings will be held as usual, filings will be accepted, hours of operation, system availability, and other services will continue as normal.