The White House has requested $58 million in additional funding to strengthen protection for Supreme Court justices and executive branch officials, a move the administration said is needed amid heightened threats to high-profile political figures.
A White House official confirmed to CBS that the supplemental request would be directed to the U.S. Marshals Service and would include enhanced protection for the justices. The administration also signaled support for increased funding to protect congressional lawmakers, but officials indicated Congress might need to authorize those measures.
The request comes as Capitol Hill and the broader political class grapple with the assassination last week of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. News organizations reported that Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University, an incident that has intensified concern among lawmakers about their safety.
Congress has already moved this year to boost member security after a series of threats and attacks. Lawmakers approved additional funds ahead of the August recess for enhanced protections, including a pilot program that raised the residential security allotment for members to $20,000 from $10,000 and increased a monthly personal security stipend to $5,000 from $150, according to reporting by the Daily Mail and House officials. The Daily Mail reported the residential program is a one-time, "lifetime" allowance and that the $5,000 monthly stipend is in place but set to expire at the end of fiscal 2025 unless renewed by vote.
Members and staff have described a steady escalation in threats this year. The Daily Mail reported comments from Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., who said threats against her and other members had risen from roughly 9,000 in 2024 to about 14,000 in 2025. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, told the Daily Mail in early September that enhanced security resources were insufficient and that many lawmakers remain hesitant to hold public town halls because of safety concerns.
Threats and attacks this year have ranged from bomb scares to vandalism. In June, the district office of Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., was evacuated after death threats. In July, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., had her Bronx campaign office vandalized with red paint; a note attached to the gate accused her of supporting "genocide in Gaza," according to news reports. In the wake of Kirk's killing, Ocasio-Cortez canceled a planned political rally in North Carolina, citing safety concerns and respect for the slain activist.
Responses among lawmakers have varied. Some Republicans have continued scheduled events, saying they will not be silenced after the assassination. Rep. John McGuire, R-Va., and Rep. McClain pressed forward with a district event to promote the House GOP budget, the Daily Mail reported, saying the attacks have strengthened their resolve to engage with constituents.
House security officials have increased resources for members through the office of the House Sergeant at Arms, which administers the residential and personal security programs. Further funding requests for lawmaker security, as well as the additional dollars requested by the White House for Marshals protection, are expected to be considered by Congress this month as lawmakers approach an end-of-September funding deadline to keep the federal government operating.
Administration and congressional leaders framed the supplemental request as a response to evolving security threats rather than partisan politics. Lawmakers will weigh whether to approve the Marshals funding and whether to extend or expand current programs that provide guards, equipment and stipends to members.
The debate over how much federal money to dedicate to protecting justices, executives and legislators unfolds amid broader concern about escalating political violence. Capitol staff, members and judicial officials have increasingly pushed for resources and protocols that officials say are essential to safeguarding public servants while balancing open access to democratic institutions.