US Supreme Court Justices Testify on Threats Seek More Funding
Two Supreme Court Justices testified before House lawmakers on Tuesday. Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett spoke about threats and safety.
It was the first time justices testified since 2019. Lawmakers asked about ethics rules and security risks at the court.
The justices asked for $14.6 million more in security funding. That is part of a larger $228.4 million budget request for 2027.
The total is almost 10% higher than last year's budget. Reports say the justices also spoke to a Senate panel that day.
Barrett said threats against justices are very high right now. She said the threats affect her personal life and family.
Reports say Barrett got a bulletproof vest after the Dobbs ruling leaked. She also described a fake emergency call sent to her home in May.
Sources say Kagan expects threats to rise 38% in 2026. That would follow a 25% rise the year before according to reports.
Lawmakers also asked about the court's 2023 ethics rules. Critics say those rules have no way to enforce them.
Key Terms 4
- Dobbs ruling A major Supreme Court decision on abortion rights in 2022.
- swatting Making a fake emergency call to send police to someone's home.
- ethics code Rules about proper conduct for Supreme Court justices.
- fiscal year 2027 The government's budget year used for planning spending.