Supreme Court to Close to Public Saturday as Funding Runs Out Amid Government Shutdown

The Supreme Court is preparing to close its doors to the public on Saturday as it faces a lapse in federal funding, a consequence of the ongoing government shutdown that is impacting numerous federal agencies.

According to Patricia McCabe, the court’s public information officer, the court will begin operating under the restrictions of the Anti-Deficiency Act, which prohibits federal agencies from spending funds not appropriated by Congress. While the building will be closed to visitors “until further notice,” the court will continue essential functions, including hearing oral arguments, issuing orders and opinions, processing case filings, and maintaining necessary police and building support. This situation highlights the broad reach of the shutdown, extending even to the judicial branch.

The funding crisis extends beyond the Supreme Court; the Army Corps of Engineers is pausing over $11 billion in projects, according to Russ Vought, head of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget. Vought stated on X that the pause includes projects in major cities like New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Baltimore. Simultaneously, the federal judiciary announced it will no longer have funding for full operations beginning Monday, leading to furloughs for non-essential staff. For more on the impact of government shutdowns, see Congressional Research Service reports.

In Congress, the House has officially extended its recess through next week, further delaying any potential resolution to the funding impasse. House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed calls to immediately swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva of Arizona as a “publicity stunt,” stating she will be sworn in once the government reopens. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans plan to vote next week on a bill to pay federal employees required to work during the shutdown, as reported by CBS News. Officials indicated that a resolution to the shutdown remains elusive, with Democrats holding firm on demands related to healthcare funding.

The Supreme Court will continue to assess the situation and provide updates as the shutdown continues, with officials stating they will resume normal operations “as soon as possible.”