Two Supreme Court justices are heading to Capitol Hill to make an unusual pitch: the nation's highest court needs Congress to open its wallet for security.
Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan will testify before lawmakers about the court's budget request, which exceeds $200 million. The rare appearance underscores how seriously the justices view the funding gap.
The request comes as threats targeting the court and its members have intensified in recent years. The justices are seeking resources to bolster protections across multiple fronts, from physical security at the courthouse to safeguards for justices and their families.
Congressional approval of the full request is far from guaranteed. The court's funding priorities will face the same budget scrutiny as every other federal agency, and justices appearing in person suggests they believe direct testimony may be necessary to make their case.
The appearance is notable because justices typically maintain distance from Congress and avoid public advocacy for their own institutional needs. The decision to send Barrett and Kagan signals that court leadership views the security situation as sufficiently urgent to break that tradition.
Details about the specific breakdown of the $200 million request and which security initiatives would receive priority have not been disclosed. The justices are expected to discuss the threats they have faced and why current funding levels are inadequate to address them.
The hearing will test whether Congress views court security as a priority worthy of the substantial increase the justices are requesting, or whether fiscal constraints will limit what lawmakers are willing to provide.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "When justices leave the bench to lobby Congress themselves, you know they're genuinely alarmed about what's happening."
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