Statement of Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr., Director of the AO, Regarding Introduction of the Judicial Space and Facilities Management Effectiveness Act

Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr., the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, issued the following statement regarding the introduction of the Judicial Space and Facilities Management Effectiveness Act:

“The introduction of this bipartisan bill takes a big step toward addressing the chronic problems that have afflicted federal courthouses and other mission critical facilities of the Judicial Branch. These essential buildings provide the space where the American public, litigants, judges and court staff convene to pursue justice and uphold the rule of law,” Judge Conrad said.

The Act creates a pilot program under which the Judiciary would assume responsibility for directly managing properties that are essential to carrying out its constitutional mission in no more than 10 judicial districts. As the Judiciary’s landlord, that responsibility has long been held by the General Services Administration (GSA). But over more than a decade, buildings that house the Judiciary have accumulated a growing backlog of $8.3 billion worth of critical repairs for basic courthouse systems, such as roofs, elevators, lighting, doors, and windows. 

The Judiciary has taken the position since 1989 that it should have the authority to manage courthouses and other buildings that are critical to its mission. In February of this year, the worsening condition of federal courthouses and other mission-critical properties prompted the Judiciary to transmit a request to Congress seeking Real Property Authority (RPA), in keeping with its long-held position.

“The Judiciary can do a better job operating and maintaining its property.  This bill would give us a chance to demonstrate operational capability on a limited scale while providing Congress with necessary oversight and evaluation opportunities before considering a broader expansion of authority,” Judge Conrad said.  

Judge Conrad noted that the Judiciary is the only one of the three branches of government that has no independent control over property decisions that directly affect its mission.

“Our mission (the administration of justice) is imperiled when we have to rely on an agency of another branch to respond to requests for the most fundamental services. The public deserves courthouses that are safe, secure, and functional,” Judge Conrad said. 

The Judiciary is grateful to the original co-sponsors of the Senate bill, including Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Senator John Boozman (R-AR), for their hard work and thoughtful consideration of this important issue.

Learn more about the Judiciary's efforts to gain Real Property Authority.