Kagan And Barrett To Ask House Panel For Expanded Security Funding
Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett will testify before a House Appropriations subcommittee in Washington on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to press the Supreme Court's request for expanded security funding.[1]
The Court has requested $228 million for the next fiscal year, roughly 10% more than last year. That request seeks nearly $15 million to expand personal security details and about $2 million for an off-site residential security post and added Court police. The appearance marks a rare public congressional testimony by sitting justices on appropriations matters.[1]
On May 2, 2022, a leaked draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization sparked protests outside several justices' homes. On June 8, 2022, an armed suspect was arrested near Justice Brett Kavanaugh's Maryland residence after traveling from California with a pistol, knife and zip ties. Attorney General Merrick Garland then directed the U.S. Marshals Service to provide around-the-clock residential protection for the justices. The Marshals logged 564 threats against judges in the fiscal year ending September 2025, and Justice Amy Coney Barrett's home was targeted in a swatting incident in May 2026.
The Court has sought similar security funding increases in annual budgets for fiscal years 2024 through 2027 as threats to judges have risen. Supporters of the request point to personal incidents and the rising threat numbers, while critics worry it could shift long-standing residential protection duties from the Marshals to the Court's own police force.
The mainstream summary does not mention the significant rise in threats against federal judges, which has escalated notably in recent years. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, threats against judges increased from 403 in FY2022 to 630 in FY2023, with 564 recorded in FY2025, highlighting a troubling trend that underscores the urgency behind the Supreme Court's funding request for enhanced security measures. This context is critical, as it illustrates that the justices' appeal for $228 million is not merely a procedural formality but a response to a tangible and escalating threat landscape. The summary also omits the fact that 396 unique federal judges were targeted by threats in FY2025, reflecting the broader implications of judicial safety that extend beyond the justices themselves. This data emphasizes that the need for increased security is not just about individual incidents but a systemic issue affecting the entire federal judiciary.
Moreover, the mainstream account frames the justices' request as a bipartisan effort focused on safety, yet it does not delve into the implications of shifting residential protection duties from the U.S. Marshals to the Court's own police force, a concern raised by critics. This potential shift could fundamentally alter the oversight and accountability mechanisms currently in place, an aspect that warrants further scrutiny beyond the immediate funding request. The perspective shared on social media highlights the unique position of Justice Barrett, who has personal experience with security threats, adding depth to the narrative that the mainstream summary does not fully capture.
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📊 Relevant Data
In fiscal year 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service recorded threats against 396 unique federal judges out of approximately 2,600 active federal judges.
Protective Investigations - Threat Statistics — U.S. Marshals Service
Annual threats to federal judges recorded by the U.S. Marshals Service were 403 in FY2022, 630 in FY2023, 509 in FY2024, and 564 in FY2025.
Protective Investigations - Threat Statistics — U.S. Marshals Service
📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett will testify before a House appropriations subcommittee.
- The Supreme Court has requested $228 million for the next fiscal year, roughly 10% more than last year.
- The request includes nearly $15 million for expanded personal security details and $2 million for an off-site residential security post and more Court police.
- The U.S. Marshals Service logged 564 threats against judges in the fiscal year ending September 2025, and recent incidents include a May 2026 swatting call targeting Barrett's home.
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