Supreme Court Requests More Funding for Security Due to Rising Threats

威脅增加,最高法院請求更多安保經費


Introduction

Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan are set to testify before House and Senate committees regarding the Supreme Court's budget request for the 2027 fiscal year.

Amy Coney Barrett 與 Elena Kagan 兩位大法官將在眾議院與參議院委員會前,就最高法院 2027 財政年度的預算請求作證。

Main Body

The judiciary is requesting more funding because security risks have clearly increased. According to data from the U.S. Marshals Service, serious security incidents rose by 57 percent in 2025, and this trend is expected to continue. Some experts, including Professor Charles Gardner Geyh, emphasize that this is caused by a highly divided political climate and public comments from leaders that target judges. Consequently, the Supreme Court is asking for a total budget of $207 million for 2027, which is a 7.2 percent increase over the previous year.

司法部門請求更多經費,是因為安保風險顯著增加。根據美國法警局的數據,2025 年嚴重安保事件上升了 57%,且預計此趨勢將持續。包括 Charles Gardner Geyh 教授在內的專家強調,這是由高度對立的政治氣候以及領導者針對法官的公開言論所引起。因此,最高法院請求 2027 年的總預算為 2.07 億美元,較前一年增加 7.2%。

Specifically, the court wants an extra $14.6 million and 84 new full-time staff members to improve protection for the justices, their homes, and their families. Furthermore, they are requesting $2 million for a remote security command center and $2.3 million for 12 cybersecurity experts to reduce digital risks. The judiciary asserts that the security situation has changed permanently following the Dobbs decision; therefore, they need to increase their total staff from 784 to 880 employees.

具體而言,法院希望獲得額外的 1,460 萬美元以及 84 名全職新員工,以強化對大法官及其住宅與家人的保護。此外,他們請求 200 萬美元用於建立遠端安保指揮中心,以及 230 萬美元聘請 12 名網絡安全專家以降低數位風險。司法部門主張,在 Dobbs 裁決之後,安保狀況已發生永久性改變;因此,他們需要將總員工數從 784 人增加到 880 人。

Because this is the first time justices have testified since 2019, the choice of Justices Barrett and Kagan is seen as a strategic move to show a non-partisan image. While the main goal is to get security funds, other observers, such as Gabe Roth from Fix the Court, suggest that this is also a chance for Congress to provide oversight. As a result, lawmakers may ask questions about judicial ethics, how contracts are handled, and the transparency of the court's internal operations.

由於這是大法官自 2019 年以來首次作證,選擇 Barrett 與 Kagan 兩位大法官被視為一種戰略舉措,旨在展現非黨派的形象。雖然主要目標是獲取安保經費,但其他觀察人士(如來自 Fix the Court 的 Gabe Roth)認為,這也是國會進行監督的機會。因此,立法者可能會就司法倫理、合約處理以及法院內部運作的透明度提出質詢。

Conclusion

The Supreme Court is seeking a significant increase in funding to deal with higher security threats by hiring more staff and improving their technology.

最高法院正透過聘請更多員工與改良技術,尋求大幅增加經費,以應對更高的安保威脅。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Logic Glue' (Connectors for B2)

At an A2 level, you probably use and, but, and because for everything. To reach B2, you need to stop using 'baby' connectors and start using Cause-and-Effect Logic.

Look at how the article connects ideas to sound professional and authoritative:

🛠️ The Upgrade Path

Instead of saying "So" or "And then", the text uses these high-level transitions:

  1. Consequently \rightarrow (Used when one thing happens as a direct result of another).

    • A2 style: The climate is divided, so the Court wants more money.
    • B2 style: The political climate is divided; consequently, the Court is asking for a total budget of $207 million.
  2. Furthermore \rightarrow (Used to add a new, important point to an argument).

    • A2 style: They want staff and they want a command center.
    • B2 style: They want 84 new staff members. Furthermore, they are requesting $2 million for a remote security center.
  3. Therefore \rightarrow (Used to introduce a logical conclusion).

    • A2 style: Things changed, so they need more people.
    • B2 style: The security situation has changed permanently; therefore, they need to increase their total staff.

🎯 Pro Tip: The Punctuation Secret

Notice that these B2 words often follow a semicolon (;) or start a new sentence. This creates a "pause" that makes your speaking and writing feel more deliberate and academic.

Quick Reference Table:

Avoid (A2)Try (B2)Purpose
SoConsequently / ThereforeShowing Result
Also / AndFurthermore / MoreoverAdding Information
ButHowever / WhileShowing Contrast

Vocabulary Learning

testify (v.)
To give a formal statement, typically in a court of law or before a government committee.
Example:The witness was called to testify about what he saw during the accident.
judiciary (n.)
The system of courts of justice in a country.
Example:The independence of the judiciary is essential for a fair legal system.
emphasize (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher wanted to emphasize the importance of reviewing the notes before the exam.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:The company lost a lot of money; consequently, they had to lay off several employees.
asserts (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer asserts that his client is innocent of all charges.
non-partisan (adj.)
Not biased toward or affiliated with a particular political party.
Example:The committee aims to provide a non-partisan analysis of the current economic situation.
oversight (n.)
The action of overseeing or supervising a process or organization.
Example:The committee was established to provide legislative oversight of the intelligence agencies.
transparency (n.)
The quality of being open, honest, and without secrets, especially in business or government.
Example:Citizens are demanding more transparency regarding how tax money is being spent.
Practice B2 words in a crossword