Washington justices seek expanded security funding amid threats
PUBLISHED Jul 14, 2026, 11:06 AM ET
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In Washington on July 14, 2026, U.S. Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan appeared before a House Appropriations subcommittee to defend the Court’s budget request and urge millions in additional funds for security. The rare testimony, the first by sitting justices before Congress since 2019 outside of confirmations, comes amid sharply rising threats against the federal judiciary. U.S. Marshals Service data show nearly 400 judges faced credible threats last year, with 276 already targeted in the first half of 2026. The Court is seeking about a 10% budget increase to nearly $230 million, including more than $14 million to expand Supreme Court police protection.
By Michael Grant | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2019 Last justices testify before Congress
- October California man sentenced for Kavanaugh attempt
- Last year Nearly 400 federal judges face threats
- May 2026 Swatting hoax targets Barrett residence
- July 1, 2026 Threats reach 276 judges year‑to‑date
- July 14, 2026 Barrett, Kagan testify on Capitol Hill
- July 14, 2026 Court seeks 10 percent budget increase
- Upcoming fiscal year Fourteen million earmarked for protection
News Intelligence
- The Supreme Court's security affects us all. If justices feel unsafe, it can impact their work. That work shapes our rights, laws, and daily life. Check how your representatives are voting on this funding issue.
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