US Supreme Court Justices Advocate for Enhanced Security Funding Amid Rising Threats

In a recent congressional hearing, US Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan emphasized the urgent need for increased security funding due to escalating threats against federal judges and their families. They presented a budget proposal that includes significant allocations for protective measures, highlighting personal experiences with security threats. The justices' testimony marks a rare occurrence, as such appearances have dwindled in recent years. The judiciary is seeking a substantial budget increase to enhance safety protocols, reflecting the growing concerns over judicial security. This article delves into the details of their funding requests and the context of recent security incidents involving justices.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 14, 2026, 23:50 IST

Justices Call for Increased Security Measures

Two justices from the US Supreme Court have urged Congress to allocate additional millions for security, citing a surge in threats against federal judges and their families in recent years. Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan addressed the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, discussing the Supreme Court's proposed budget of $228 million for the upcoming fiscal year starting October 1, which represents a nearly 10% increase from the previous year. This marked the first occasion since 2019 that Supreme Court justices have testified before Congress.

The court is requesting an extra $14.6 million to enhance protective measures for justices and their families, both at their residences and during travel outside Washington, D.C.

Barrett Shares Personal Security Experiences

During the session, Justice Barrett recounted the personal toll that security threats have taken on her family, particularly following the leak of the draft opinion in the Dobbs abortion case. "These threats have forced my children and me to confront issues that no child should have to face," Barrett explained to lawmakers. She recalled a time when her security team provided her with a bullet-proof vest due to heightened threats against her life. "At one point, after receiving threats, I was sent home with a bullet-proof vest. I placed it in my bedroom, and my 12-year-old son saw it and asked what it was and why I had it. I was at a loss for words. I never anticipated that my role would require me to explain to my children the necessity of a bullet-proof vest," she added.

Details of the Funding Request

The broader federal judiciary has requested $920.9 million for security in the fiscal year 2027, which is an increase of $28.9 million, or 3.2%, compared to the previous year's budget. This funding aims to bolster security at federal courthouses nationwide. The Supreme Court's specific requests include:

$14.6 million to enhance protection for justices and their families.

$6.5 million for a new off-site visitor screening facility, akin to the US Capitol Visitor Center.

$2.3 million to recruit engineers and developers to improve cybersecurity.

$2 million for an additional command post to manage residential security operations.

Additionally, funding is sought for six more security agents per justice, 25 additional Supreme Court police officers, and four police administrative roles. Overall, the judiciary is seeking $9.7 billion in funding for fiscal year 2027, reflecting a 4.5% increase from the previous year.

Recent Security Incidents

This funding request follows several notable security incidents involving Supreme Court justices. After protests erupted outside justices' homes following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Justice Brett Kavanaugh faced an assassination attempt, leading to heightened residential security for court members. Justice Barrett was also targeted in a "swatting" incident at her Virginia residence in May, while her sister received a false bomb threat in South Carolina last year. According to the US Marshals Service, which is responsible for protecting the federal judiciary, there were 564 recorded threats against federal judges in the fiscal year ending in September, an increase from 509 the previous year.

While Supreme Court justices used to regularly appear before Congress to discuss judicial budgets, such instances have become less frequent in recent years. Data from Congress indicates that justices testified annually between 1960 and 2011, primarily on budgetary issues. Justice Clarence Thomas has testified 13 times, with his last appearance in 2010. In 2023, Chief Justice John Roberts declined an invitation from the Senate Judiciary Committee to discuss Supreme Court ethics, citing the rarity of such appearances due to concerns about separation of powers and the need to maintain judicial independence. Congress has until September 30 to finalize funding for the 2027 fiscal year.