Supreme Court Justices Testify on Security Threats
Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett provided testimony to Congress regarding ethics and security concerns. This marks the first time justices have testified since 2019. (sources: nytimes, usatoday)
During a congressional hearing, Justices Kagan and Barrett discussed the increase in threats against the Supreme Court. Kagan noted a 38 percent rise in threats this year, according to Supreme Court Police estimates.
- Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett are the first Supreme Court justices to testify before Congress since 2019.
- Kagan reported a 38 percent increase in threats against the Supreme Court this year.
- The justices addressed issues of ethics and security during the hearing.
Why it matters
The testimony highlights ongoing security concerns for the Supreme Court and the implications for judicial independence.
↓ Congress can act on this
4 bills on this issue are moving right now — and the most active one is S2379: Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act.
S2379 · 119th Congress
Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act
Where do you stand on this bill?
Takes about 60 seconds
About this bill
What S2379 actually does
This story is about From Rare Congressional Testimony by Two Supreme Court Justices. This bill would create a state judicial threat intelligence and resource center.
If passed, it would:
- Create a state judicial threat intelligence and resource center • Require annual reporting to Congress on threats against judges and court staff.
3 other bills moving on this issue
Take action on any of them individually.
This story is about From Rare Congressional Testimony by Two Supreme Court Justices. This bill would increase criminal penalties tied to intimidation-oriented picketing near judges.
If passed, it would
- Increase criminal penalties tied to intimidation-oriented picketing near judges • Strengthen a deterrent aimed at residence-based pressure campaigns.
This story is about From Rare Congressional Testimony by Two Supreme Court Justices. This bill would shift the Marshals Service into the judicial branch.
If passed, it would
- Shift the Marshals Service into the judicial branch • Explicitly authorize personal protection for federal jurists and other threatened persons.
This story is about From Rare Congressional Testimony by Two Supreme Court Justices. This bill would add stronger recusal, disclosure, and complaint-review mechanisms.
If passed, it would
- Create a statutory code of conduct framework for Supreme Court justices • Add stronger recusal, disclosure, and complaint-review mechanisms.