The federal Judiciary was chided at a House hearing for requesting a nearly 50% reduction in the $940-million annual rent it pays to the General Services Administration. Rent goes to the Federal Buildings Fund, which helps pay for court construction. Judiciary courthouse rent obligations rose 27% from 2000 to 2005 and occupied space grew 19%. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), who chairs a subcommittee overseeing public buildings, charged at a June 22 hearing: “The Judiciary failed to manage their space requirements and has asked for the equivalent of a ‘get out of jail free’ card.” Appellate Judge Jane Roth says the judiciary wants rent relief mainly for old facilities. She says it also has taken cost-control steps, including changes in its courthouse design guide.