The U.S. Congress races against time to prevent a partial government shutdown with a new funding measure that includes enhanced security provisions for Supreme Court justices.
According to Reuters, a stopgap measure unveiled by congressional leaders allocates over $25 million to strengthen security measures at the residences of the nine Supreme Court justices as part of a broader funding package to keep the federal government operational through March 14.
The funding allocation splits into two main components: $12 million for the U.S. Marshals Service to protect justices' homes and approximately $13.6 million for the Supreme Court's internal security force. These resources aim to address the growing concerns over threats to judicial safety and maintain round-the-clock protection for the nation's highest court members.
The enhanced security funding comes amid an alarming surge in threats against federal judges nationwide. Statistics from the U.S. Marshals Service reveal a dramatic increase in serious threats, jumping from 224 in fiscal year 2021 to 457 in fiscal year 2023. This upward trend has raised significant concerns about the safety of judiciary members and their families.
The security enhancement initiative builds upon legislation passed in 2022, which expanded police protection to include both the justices and their family members. This legislative action was triggered by protests outside the homes of conservative majority justices following the leak of a draft decision that would eventually overturn Roe v. Wade.
Recent incidents have underscored the urgency of these security measures. In 2022, authorities arrested an armed California man near Justice Brett Kavanaugh's residence, charging him with attempted assassination. The suspect, Nicholas Roske, awaits trial in June after pleading not guilty.
The new funding provision appears in a 1,547-page measure that forms part of the government's continuing resolution to maintain federal operations. This stopgap solution addresses the ongoing challenge of passing a complete budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which began October 1.
The Supreme Court Police, the institution's dedicated security force, stands to receive funds matching their earlier request of $13.6 million. This allocation would enable them to assume residential protection duties currently handled by the Marshals Service.
The Marshals Service had initially requested $28.1 million for the full fiscal year ending September 30, highlighting the substantial resources required for comprehensive judicial protection.
Another serious security concern emerged in September when authorities charged Alaska resident Panos Anastasiou with threatening to assault, kidnap, and murder six Supreme Court justices and their family members. Anastasiou has entered a not-guilty plea.
The judiciary has confirmed its ability to maintain operations for at least three weeks through January 10, utilizing court fee balances and other funds, even if the broader government funding lapses. This contingency plan ensures the continuous functioning of the courts during potential budget uncertainties.
Republican President-elect Donald Trump's call for the Republican-led House to reject the measure has introduced additional complexity to the funding situation, raising the possibility of a government shutdown.
The comprehensive security funding package represents a critical response to escalating threats against Supreme Court justices, addressing immediate safety concerns while establishing long-term protective measures. The allocation of over $25 million specifically targets the protection of justices' residences, dividing resources between the U.S. Marshals Service and the Supreme Court's internal security force. As the federal government navigates potential shutdown scenarios and budget negotiations, the implementation of these security measures remains paramount for protecting the nation's highest court members and their families.
