U.S. Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett defended the high court’s $225.1 million budget request before lawmakers on Tuesday. The request includes a 29% increase above the fiscal year 2026 level, with a significant portion allocated to enhanced security measures.

Security Concerns

The justices cited increased threats against them, including personal threats and incidents where packages with threatening messages were delivered to their homes. Barrett shared an incident where she had to explain to her 12-year-old son why she needed to wear a bulletproof vest.

The budget request includes an $18.9 million increase in court security and a $14.6 million expansion of personal protective services, which would provide six additional security agents for each justice. The court is working to transition from using contractors for security services to its own private service.

Cybersecurity and Other Expenses

The justices also highlighted the need for increased cybersecurity measures, citing the advancement of artificial intelligence as a significant threat. The budget request includes $2.3 million for additional cybersecurity positions to address rising threats.

The request also includes notable increases in salaries and expenses, with a $14 million increase, as well as a $6.7 million increase in grounds and buildings funds. Kagan emphasized that the court operates with relatively modest funding, representing just 2% of the judiciary branch’s total funding.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.