Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan are scheduled to testify before Congress on July 14, 2026, marking the first time since 2019 that sitting justices will appear before a congressional committee. Their testimony will focus on the Supreme Court's fiscal year 2027 budget request, which includes a $20.6 million increase over the previous year, primarily to enhance security measures for the justices.
The Supreme Court has requested a total of $228 million in discretionary funding for fiscal 2027, with $14.6 million allocated specifically for security enhancements. This funding aims to bolster protective activities related to the justices' homes and families, reflecting growing concerns over threats against federal judges.
The upcoming testimony comes on the heels of a contentious Supreme Court term that included significant decisions on campaign finance, presidential power, voting rights, and immigration. While the primary focus of the hearings will be the budget, it is anticipated that members of Congress may also inquire about these recent rulings.
Justices Barrett and Kagan, representing the court's conservative and liberal wings respectively, will appear before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. Their appearance underscores the bipartisan nature of the court's budget request and the importance of addressing security concerns amid rising political violence.
This rare appearance by Supreme Court justices before Congress highlights the ongoing dialogue between the judiciary and legislative branches, particularly concerning the court's funding and security needs.