In a bid to enhance safety at the homes of the nine U.S. Supreme Court justices, Congress allocated more than $25 million as part of a temporary funding measure. This stopgap legislation, designed to prevent a partial government shutdown, also ensures federal agencies remain operational through March 14, 2025.
Lawmakers Scramble to Prevent Government Shutdown
Top Republicans and Democrats unveiled the 1,547-page measure late Tuesday, racing against the clock to pass it before Saturday’s shutdown deadline. The continuing resolution, which is expected to clear both the Republican-led House and Democratic-controlled Senate, extends the federal budget at its current level of $6.2 trillion.
Importantly, the legislation includes additional funds to address heightened security concerns at the Supreme Court and bolster resources for the U.S. Marshals Service. The measure allocates $12 million to the Marshals Service for residential security and nearly $13.6 million directly to the Supreme Court’s internal police force to assume 24-hour protection of the justices’ homes.
Rising Threats Prompt Expanded Security Measures
Congress responded to increasing threats against federal judges by boosting security funding. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, serious threats against judges jumped to 457 in fiscal year 2023, more than doubling since 2021.
The expanded protection comes after high-profile incidents raised alarms. Protests erupted outside justices’ homes following the leaked draft of the Roe v. Wade ruling, which overturned the constitutional right to abortion. In 2022, authorities charged an armed California man, Nicholas Roske, with attempting to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Meanwhile, in September, prosecutors charged Panos Anastasiou, an Alaska man, with threatening six justices and their families. Both men have pleaded not guilty.
New Funding Reflects Urgency
Both the Supreme Court and the U.S. Marshals Service requested additional funding earlier this year, citing increased security needs. The Marshals Service sought $28.1 million to provide year-round residential protection, while the judiciary asked for $13.6 million to enable the Supreme Court Police to take over these duties. The approved funds align with those requests, reflecting Congress’ recognition of the urgent need for action.
As threats against the judiciary rise, this new funding underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s top legal officials and their families.
