Next week, Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett will appear before Congress to discuss their annual budget request. The justices will testify on Monday (July 14) before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, marking the first such appearance since 2019. They are also scheduled to testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee later that same day.
The Supreme Court is seeking a budget increase of over $14 million for fiscal year 2027, primarily aimed at enhancing security for the nine justices. According to The Hill, the budget request includes funds for the Supreme Court Police to ensure the safety of the justices’ homes and families. Additionally, $920.9 million is requested for security officers at federal courthouses nationwide, addressing the rise in threats against federal judges.
The hearing comes amid heightened security concerns for the justices, following incidents such as the 2022 protests outside Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home and the subsequent arrest of a man who planned to harm him. The CNBC reports that these incidents have led to increased security measures for the justices.
As reported by Politico, lawmakers are interested in understanding how the court plans to utilize the requested funds, with a focus on operations and expenses rather than pending cases. The justices’ testimony will provide insight into the court’s financial needs and security strategies for the upcoming fiscal year.
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