Status and Financing of the District of Columbia's New Courthouse

Congress was informed that the courthouse now being constructed in the District of Columbia (D.C.) would suffice for several years if the traffic court and some ancillary court functions occupied three buildings nearby. However, the judicial process will remain somewhat inefficient and the public will remain somewhat confused, since the court functions will still be split among four buildings. Any growth of the court system will add to these problems, since no space is available for expansion within the new courthouse. The courthouse will be completed 6 months later than planned due to a late start and strikes although the design and construction are being done simultaneously to save time. The cost of the completed courthouse will approximate the budget approved by Congress. Additional costs for relocation, space rental, and renovation of offsite buildings are not included in the appropriations. These costs either have been or will be funded by other D.C. appropriations. The appropriations subcommittees may wish to require that D.C. provide specific information on the amounts and types of related project costs, which have been or will be incurred in connection with the construction project.