Appearance Before Congress for Security Funding

Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan are scheduled to appear before Congress on Tuesday. They aim to request tens of millions of dollars in additional security funding due to rising threats against federal judges and their families. Barrett represents the court’s conservative majority, while Kagan is part of its liberal wing. Their appearance is to discuss the court’s request for $228 million for the upcoming budget year starting October 1. This represents an increase of about $20 million from their previous funding. Their appearance marks the first time since 2019 that Supreme Court justices will testify before Congress.

Details of the Security Funding Request

The judiciary has asked for $920.9 million for security in fiscal year 2027. This is an increase of $28.9 million from the fiscal year 2026 budget, an uptick of 3.2 percent. This funding, if approved, is intended for frontline security forces at federal courthouses.

The Supreme Court’s request includes a total of $228 million for the next fiscal year, a roughly 10 percent increase compared to the previous year. This includes an increase of $14.6 million aimed at expanding the Supreme Court Police’s protective activities. These activities are meant to ensure the protection of justices and their families at home and during travel outside the Washington area.

Specific Allocations and Proposed Enhancements

• Funding for six additional agents per justice and an administrative position.
• 25 officers to enhance security at the Supreme Court Building.
• Four additional police administration positions.

Further, the request includes $6.5 million for a new facility to screen visitors outside the court’s home on Capitol Hill. They have also asked for $2.3 million to hire engineers and developers capable of protecting against cyber threats. Additionally, $2 million is requested for an additional command post to coordinate assignments and protection coverage for the Court’s residential security program. This command post aims to increase hiring and retention rates of Supreme Court police officers, enhancing emergency response and reducing costs.

Overall Budget Context and Congressional Deadline

Besides security, the judiciary is requesting $9.7 billion in funding, marking a 4.5 percent increase over the fiscal year 2026 enacted appropriation of $9.2 billion. Congress has until September 30 to approve the new spending bill for fiscal year 2027.

Reasons for the Security Funding Request

The increased request comes amidst a rise in threats to Supreme Court justices and other federal judges. Security concerns intensified after protests sparked by the court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. Justice Brett Kavanaugh was targeted in an assassination attempt, leading to around-the-clock security at justices’ residences. Threats have persisted, evidenced by a recent “swatting” attempt at Justice Barrett’s Virginia home and a false bomb threat targeting her sister. The U.S. Marshals Service reported 564 threats last fiscal year, up from 509 the previous year. The threats spanned hundreds of federal judges, including the Supreme Court justices.

The story is overseen by Newsweek editors Ben Kelly and Cristina Diciu.