The recently unveiled National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 includes a provision to extend U.S. Supreme Court police protection to retired and former justices, as well as their immediate family members. This amendment, introduced by Senator Chuck Grassley, modifies Section 6121(a)(2) of Title 40, United States Code, to authorize the Supreme Court Marshal to provide security for retired or former Chief Justices and Associate Justices, along with their families, when deemed necessary. ([congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/amendment/119th-congress/senate-amendment/3355/text?utm_source=openai))
This legislative change comes in response to increasing concerns over the safety of judicial figures. In March 2024, the Supreme Court requested $19.4 million in federal funds to enhance security measures for its justices and to transfer the responsibility of protecting their residences from the U.S. Marshals Service to its own police force. This request was part of a broader $9.4 billion budget proposal for the federal judiciary, highlighting the evolving threats faced by members of the nation’s highest court. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-seeks-security-funding-protect-justices-homes-2024-03-04/?utm_source=openai))
Senator Grassley emphasized the importance of this amendment, stating that it aims to “expand the authority of the Marshal of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court Police to protect retired and former Chief Justices and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.” ([congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/amendment/119th-congress/senate-amendment/3355?utm_source=openai))
The inclusion of this provision in the NDAA reflects a growing recognition of the need to safeguard not only active justices but also those who have retired from the bench. As the legislative process continues, this measure underscores the commitment to ensuring the security of individuals who have served at the highest levels of the judiciary.