Two Supreme Court justices, Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan, will testify before Congress on Tuesday as part of a rare appearance to request additional funding for judicial security. The judiciary is seeking $14.6 million and 84 new full-time positions to expand personal protection for justices, their families, and residences, citing a 57% rise in security incidents deemed 'significant' by the U.S. Marshals Service in fiscal year 2025.
The request comes amid heightened concerns over judicial safety, with incidents targeting federal judges increasing over the past several years. The budget proposal includes funding for six additional protective agents per justice, reflecting growing threats against the judiciary.
**Why the Testimony?
The justices' testimony centers on the judiciary's fiscal year 2027 budget request, which emphasizes the need for enhanced security measures. The rise in threats has been attributed to a hyper-polarized political climate, with some experts noting that public figures, including former President Donald Trump, have criticized judges in ways that may incite threats.
**Barrett's Personal Experience with Threats
Justice Barrett has faced multiple security incidents since her appointment, including a swatting attempt at her home in May 2024, which was thwarted by law enforcement. Her firsthand experience with threats has positioned her as a key voice in the discussion on judicial security. Meanwhile, Justice Kagan, a member of the court's liberal wing, will also testify, providing a bipartisan perspective on the issue.
**Congressional Scrutiny Beyond Budget Talks
Lawmakers are expected to probe beyond the budget request, with some preparing questions that may touch on recent Supreme Court decisions and the broader political climate. The court's recent term, which included rulings on birthright citizenship and global tariffs, has drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. However, it remains unclear whether these issues will be directly addressed during the hearings.
**Long-Term Implications
The request for increased security funding reflects a broader trend in the federal judiciary, where judges and justices are facing unprecedented levels of threats. Experts suggest that the rise in incidents may be linked to political polarization, with judges increasingly becoming targets of public anger over high-profile rulings. The judiciary's request underscores the need for stronger protective measures to ensure the safety of judges and their families.