Supreme Court Justices Ask Congress for Millions More to Bolster Security

Overview

• Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan told appropriators on July 14 that the Court is seeking roughly $225–$230 million for FY2027 with about a $14 million increase specifically for enhanced security.
• The Supreme Court Police told the panel they expect a roughly 38 percent rise in threats this year, a sharp jump from prior annual increases and a central reason given for more agents and cyber hires.
• Barrett described personal impacts from the threat surge, saying she was sent home with a bulletproof vest, recounting a recent swatting at her home, and describing anonymous deliveries meant to intimidate her family.
• Officials and witnesses pointed to the 2022 Dobbs draft leak and the June 2022 assassination attempt on Justice Brett Kavanaugh as key catalysts that led Congress to broaden protections and prompted the current security push.
• Congress will consider the request through the regular appropriations process with a funding decision expected by Sept. 30, 2026, and the outcome could expand the Court’s in-house command-post and cyber capabilities while raising questions about oversight and public trust.