On October 17, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it would run out of funding by October 18 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, a development that has significant implications for the Court’s operations. This funding shortage has raised concerns about the Court’s ability to carry out its duties, particularly as it was scheduled to hear arguments in several high-profile cases, including a critical voting rights case from Louisiana and a Fourth Amendment case from Montana.
The situation, which is the direct result of the federal government shutdown, means that the Court will not be able to continue its normal operations unless funding is restored. Although the Court was able to issue orders from its private conference on October 17, its schedule for hearing oral arguments and issuing further rulings could be severely impacted by the funding shortfall. The Court had planned to hear arguments in several significant cases in the coming weeks, making this a particularly challenging time for those involved in these cases.
In addition to the impact on hearings, the funding issue also affects the Court’s ability to carry out other functions, including the hiring and payment of staff, the processing of legal filings, and maintaining its extensive administrative functions. These logistical challenges are compounded by the fact that the Court is not scheduled to reconvene for oral arguments until November 3, leaving a long gap during which critical cases will remain in limbo.
Legal experts have expressed concern about the broader implications this funding shortage could have on the legal system. The cases scheduled for hearing, particularly those concerning voting rights and constitutional protections, are of national importance. Delays in hearing these cases or issuing rulings could have far-reaching consequences, especially as the country prepares for significant elections and political developments in the coming months.
Although the Court is expected to issue orders on October 20 from its private conference held on October 17, there remains uncertainty about how the Court will navigate the remaining challenges posed by the funding issue. While the Justices will continue their work behind the scenes, much of the Court’s public-facing activities—including hearings and public statements—may be delayed.
This situation underscores the increasing strain that government shutdowns place on federal institutions, including the judiciary. The Supreme Court, which relies on government funding to maintain its operations, is now facing operational disruptions that could affect its ability to fulfill its constitutional role in the coming weeks.
As the shutdown continues and the Court awaits the restoration of its funding, the legal community and the public will be closely monitoring developments to determine how this situation will be resolved and what its long-term effects may be on the functioning of the nation’s highest court.
