Justices Kagan & Barrett Seek $228M for Court Security Amid Rising Threats

Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett testified before Congress on Tuesday, urging lawmakers to increase funding for judicial security amid a rise in threats. The justices appeared before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government to discuss the Supreme Court's budget request for fiscal year 2027.

The court is seeking more than $228 million, an increase of nearly 10% from the previous year. A significant portion of this funding, approximately $14.6 million, is earmarked for expanding security measures provided by the Supreme Court Police. This includes additional agents per justice and resources for travel security outside Washington, D.C.

Kagan emphasized that threats against judges have escalated significantly in recent years. According to data from the U.S. Marshals Service, there were 512 investigations of threats to federal judges since the beginning of 2026, up from 807 for all of 2025. Kagan noted that the Supreme Court Police expect a 38% increase in threats this year, following a 25% rise last year. Barrett shared personal anecdotes about the impact of these threats on her family, including being given a bulletproof vest and experiencing a 'swatting' incident at her home.

The justices also addressed concerns about the Supreme Court's code of conduct and transparency. Rosa DeLauro, the ranking member of the House appropriations committee, called for increased financial disclosure requirements and a binding, enforceable code of ethics. This comes amid scrutiny of Justice Clarence Thomas for accepting luxury travel from a Republican donor without reporting it on annual financial disclosures.

Lawmakers appeared supportive of the justices' request for enhanced security funding. Rep. David Joyce, an Ohio Republican who chairs the House subcommittee, stated that judicial officers must be able to do their jobs without fear for their safety or their family's safety. The hearing comes as part of a broader discussion on ensuring the safety and independence of the judiciary in light of rising threats.

During the testimony, Barrett mentioned that judges around the country have received threatening anonymous pizza deliveries using the name of the late son of New Jersey Judge Esther Salas, who was fatally shot in 2020. The justices also highlighted the need for enhanced cybersecurity efforts amid a rise in online threats and data leaks, which have affected all nine justices.

Kagan and Barrett appeared before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee later on Tuesday, where they repeated their budget request. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) expressed concern about public officials fueling threats toward the court. Collins criticized figures from 'both sides of the aisle,' while Reed specifically mentioned President Donald Trump's statements calling the high court 'a weaponized and unjust Political Organization.' Kagan agreed that such statements are dangerous and not appropriate, emphasizing that intimidation crosses a line.

Justice Barrett noted that threats to her life were particularly intense following the Dobbs leak. She also highlighted the rise in anonymous pizza deliveries sent to judges' homes, often using the name of the murdered son of a federal district judge. Kagan and Barrett emphasized that justices continue to do their jobs without fear or favor despite the high threat level.