It is an incredibly rare event when Supreme Court justices testify before Congress, but it is officially happening. Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan are heading to Capitol Hill. They need to defend a massive new budget request.
The high court wants a huge funding spike for the upcoming fiscal year. They are asking for millions in extra cash to ramp up security at their homes and offices. Threats against federal judges keep rising, so the court is taking no chances.
Why Supreme Court Justices Testify Before Congress
This joint appearance marks the first time members of the high court have taken the stand since 2019. Lawmakers on the House Appropriations subcommittee plan to focus strictly on expenses. But politicians rarely stick to the script.
The timing makes this hearing a total powder keg. The court just wrapped up a fiercely divisive summer term. Justices recently struck down a controversial executive order on birthright citizenship and blocked sweeping trade tariffs.
Both political parties are angry about different rulings. When Supreme Court justices testify before Congress, the atmosphere turns tense fast. Lawmakers will likely grill Kagan and Barrett on everything from ethics rules to recent legal blockbusters.
To follow related funding bills or specific congressional responses to the court’s request, search the Congress.gov database using the upcoming fiscal year parameters.
