The House Appropriations Committee reviewed the Supreme Court’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request with Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett on July 14, marking the first appearance by Supreme Court justices at such a hearing since 2019. The session focused on security, infrastructure, technology modernization, staffing resources, and ensuring federal courts remain able to administer justice effectively.
Committee members discussed how to balance transparency and accountability in appropriations. Chairman Dave Joyce asked about changes in threats against the Court and examined how security investments are being prioritized to counter increasingly sophisticated risks. He also questioned whether federal agencies tasked with protecting the justices are adequately equipped for their mission.
Representative Mark Amodei shifted discussion toward day-to-day operations of the Supreme Court and requested an overview of its workload. Representative Ashley Hinson raised concerns about practical challenges in protecting justices beyond court grounds, highlighting coordination between the Supreme Court Police, U.S. Marshals Service, and local law enforcement during public appearances.
Representative Michael Cloud addressed cybersecurity needs for IT systems and sensitive information protection while referencing congressional oversight of both physical security and broader judiciary issues. Representative Chuck Edwards explored opportunities for improving efficiency through technology such as AI-assisted legal research tools, responsible resource management, unresolved audit findings, staffing vacancies, and capital investment needs.
Security investments were further discussed by Representative Mark Alford, who asked about preparations for evolving threats including drones and secure access points at the court building. Vice Chair Nick LaLota questioned if increased spending on security could create tradeoffs affecting other core functions of the court.
The hearing concluded with Representative Steve Womack inviting justices to address young visitors regarding civic participation and public service roles within America’s constitutional system. According to the official website, notable personnel include Republican members such as Harold Rogers and Democratic members like Steny Hoyer on the House Committee on Appropriations; Tom Cole serves as chairman—the 43rd person in that role—and the committee drafts annual spending bills that allocate federal funds for government operations while providing guidance for community project funding requests included in appropriations bills. The committee also influences policy through its role in passing funding legislation like the Continuing Appropriations Act.