Supreme Court Associate Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett testified Tuesday before a congressional subcommittee to request additional security funding [1].
The request comes as the judiciary faces an increase in personal threats directed at justices and broader security risks to the court. The move highlights a growing tension between the judicial branch and the security environment surrounding its members.
The justices appeared on Capitol Hill before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government [2]. The testimony was scheduled for two sessions, beginning at 10 a.m. ET and continuing at 2 p.m. ET [3].
During the proceedings, the justices sought a security budget of approximately $230 million [4]. This funding is intended to bolster protections for the justices and the court's infrastructure in response to heightened threats [5].
While some reports indicated the justices would testify before both House and Senate appropriators, other records specify the testimony was limited to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government [2].
The request for $230 million [4] represents a significant push for resources to ensure the safety of the court's members as they perform their duties. The justices said the current security posture is insufficient given the evolving nature of the threats they face [5].
“Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett testified on Tuesday before a congressional subcommittee to request additional security funding.”
The request for substantial security funding reflects a shift in the operational reality for the U.S. Supreme Court. By appearing before a House subcommittee, the justices are acknowledging that the court cannot manage its safety needs through standard administrative channels alone, requiring direct legislative intervention and a significant increase in federal spending to mitigate personal and institutional risks.
