Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan made a rare appearance before Congress on July 14 as the Court requested increased funding to protect justices and their families. Barrett described having to wear a bulletproof vest and explain the precaution to her children, while Kagan said the security environment had changed dramatically since she joined the Court. The Court requested $228 million for the coming fiscal year, including expanded personal protection and additional Supreme Court police. Senators also condemned rhetoric from public officials personally attacking judges. Although criticism of judicial decisions is a legitimate part of democratic debate, the testimony underscores how escalating threats and personalized attacks can intimidate judges, discourage public service, and weaken the conditions under which courts can operate independently.

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