Supreme Court Justices Request $228 Million Budget for Enhanced Security

Supreme Court Associate Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testified before House and Senate appropriations panels on July 14, 2026, to advocate for a fiscal year 2027 budget of $228 million. This marks the first time sitting justices have testified before Congress since 2019. The requested amount represents a roughly 10% increase, with over $16 million earmarked for security to protect justices, their families, and residences.

During the hearings, Justice Barrett described the personal toll of judicial intimidation, recounting a May swatting hoax at her home and the necessity of wearing a bulletproof vest. The request includes $14.6 million to add six protection agents for each justice, $2 million for an off-site residential security post, and $6.5 million for a new visitor screening facility. The U.S. Marshals Service reported 564 threats against federal judges in the previous fiscal year, with a 57% increase in incidents of significant concern in 2025.

The testimony occurred amid high political tension following court rulings that invalidated efforts to end birthright citizenship and impose global tariffs. While the hearings focused on operations, lawmakers questioned the justices on court ethics and internal leak prevention. Justice Kagan expressed support for an independent ethics enforcement mechanism, while Justice Barrett expressed uncertainty regarding its necessity. Chief Justice Bartholomew Roberts condemned personally directed hostility toward judges, describing it as dangerous.