Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan are set to testify before Congress on Tuesday to discuss the judiciary’s budget request, which includes a significant increase in security funding. The judiciary has requested nearly $921 million for security, a $29 million increase over last year, due to a rise in physical and cyber threats.
Security Concerns
Justice Barrett has been at the center of several security incidents, including a swatting attempt at her home in May. The judiciary has also seen a 57% increase in security incidents involving judges that the US Marshals Service classified as of “significant concern” in 2025.
The Supreme Court is seeking to increase the availability of Supreme Court Police to protect the justices and their families, including at their homes. The US Marshals Service took on the responsibility of protecting the justices’ homes in 2022, but this was never intended to be a permanent solution.
Budget Request
The judiciary is seeking $9.7 billion in discretionary funding, a 4.5% increase over last year. The budget request includes an increase of nearly $15 million to make members of the Supreme Court Police available to protect the justices and their families.
Lawmakers are expected to ask questions about the judiciary’s handling of prediction markets, leaks, and ethics procedures, in addition to the security funding request. Justice Barrett may also face questions about her recent votes on high-profile appeals, including her decision to side with the court’s liberals in a case involving birthright citizenship.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
