In 1939, the Congress established the first judicial administrative agency that would operate under the direction of federal judges rather than officers of the executive branch. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts undertook most of the judiciary-related duties formerly exercised by the Department of Justice. Preparation of budget requests, disbursal of appropriated funds, procurement, and compilation of statistics related to court business became the responsibility of an agency directed by the Conference of Senior Circuit Judges (later the Judicial Conference). Pursuant to the originating statute, the Supreme Court selected the director of the Administrative Office until 1990 when Congress authorized the Chief Justice to appoint the director, and deputy director, with the concurrence of the Judicial Conference. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts continues to provide a broad range of legislative, legal, financial, technology, management, administrative, and program support services to federal courts and staff support for the Judicial Conference.