The U.S. Supreme Court has put forward a request for $19.4 million in federal funding to bolster security measures for its justices, including the transfer of protection duties for their residences from the U.S. Marshals Service to the court’s own police force.
This proposal is part of the court’s broader $9.4 billion budget request for the upcoming fiscal year, aiming to address evolving security risks faced by the nation’s top judicial body.
Within the proposed budget, $5.8 million is allocated to expand the capabilities of the Supreme Court Police, while an additional $13.6 million is designated for the transition of protection responsibilities for justices’ homes.
The move is prompted by ongoing threat assessments indicating the need for continuous protection measures to safeguard the court and its members.
The judiciary’s request for increased security funding also extends to the wider federal judiciary, with $805.9 million sought for court security.
This comes in response to a significant rise in threats against federal judges, with reported incidents more than doubling from fiscal year 2021 to fiscal year 2023, as cited by the U.S. Marshals Service.
The urgency for enhanced security measures follows documented instances of threats and intimidation directed at judges, particularly those who have ruled against the interests of former President Donald Trump.
Notably, Congress previously passed legislation in 2022 to extend police protection to the families of justices and senior court officers, prompted by protests outside the residences of conservative justices following a controversial ruling.
Recent incidents, including an attempted assassination plot against Justice Brett Kavanaugh and threats against Chief Justice John Roberts, underscore the pressing need for heightened security measures within the judiciary.
The proposed budget increase aims to fortify protection for justices and uphold the integrity of the judicial process amidst escalating security threats.
