Supreme Court Justices Barrett, Kagan to Testify

Two Supreme Court justices are scheduled to testify before congressional committees next week, marking the first time members of the high court have appeared before lawmakers in seven years. Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan are set to appear before both the House and Senate appropriations committees on Tuesday, July 14, to discuss the court's budget request for fiscal year 2027.

The Supreme Court is requesting $225.1 million, an approximately 10 percent increase over the current year's funding. A significant portion of the increase, $14.6 million, is designated for security enhancements. This follows years of heightened threats against the justices, including an assassination attempt against Justice Brett Kavanaugh in June 2022 and protests outside justices' homes after the leak of the 2022 abortion decision. The request also includes $18.1 million for the care of the Supreme Court building and grounds.

While the hearings are formally focused on the budget, the justices will likely face questions that extend beyond financial matters. The appearances come just two weeks after the court concluded a highly consequential term, issuing rulings on presidential power,...