Fact Check: "The Judicial Conference of the United States requested an increase in funding for security in April 2023 due to threats against judges."
What We Know
In April 2023, the Judicial Conference of the United States expressed significant concerns regarding the security of federal judges amid rising threats. This was articulated in a letter dated April 10, 2023, from Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr., the Judicial Conference secretary, and Judge Amy J. St. Eve, chair of the Conference’s Budget Committee. They highlighted that the federal judiciary was operating under a budget that was $391 million less than what had been requested, which adversely affected the Court Security program, leaving it at a fiscal year 2023 level of $750 million. The judges noted, “We have significant concerns about our ability to properly secure federal courthouses given current resource levels” (source-1).
The letter also mentioned that 67 judges involved in high-profile cases were receiving enhanced security measures due to the escalating threats against them (source-1). This situation was further corroborated by Chief Justice John Roberts in his year-end report, where he acknowledged the increase in threats against judges (source-2).
Analysis
The claims made by the Judicial Conference regarding the need for increased funding due to security threats are supported by multiple credible sources. The letter from Judges Conrad and St. Eve outlines specific concerns about the judiciary's ability to maintain security in light of funding shortfalls. The assertion that threats against judges have escalated is backed by reports from various news outlets, including the Associated Press and Reuters, which detail the increasing risks judges face and the measures being taken to enhance their security (source-4, source-5).
Moreover, the reliability of the sources is strong. The Judicial Conference is a formal body of the federal judiciary, and their communications are official and authoritative. News outlets like Reuters and the Associated Press are reputable and have a history of accurate reporting on judicial matters. The analysis of the situation indicates a clear link between the funding requests and the documented increase in threats, making the claims credible.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Judicial Conference of the United States requested an increase in funding for security in April 2023 due to threats against judges is substantiated by official communications from the judiciary and corroborated by multiple reputable news sources. The evidence indicates that the judiciary is facing significant challenges in maintaining security for judges amid escalating threats, which necessitates increased funding.
Sources
- Funding Shortfalls Adversely Affect Key Judiciary Programs
- PDF Security for the Federal Judiciary: Recent Developments - Congress.gov
- Funding and Budget – Annual Report 2023
- US judges warn of threats, ask Congress for more security funding
- Judges warn Congress that more money is needed for security at a time ...
- Spike in threats to judges prompts calls for more security
- Judiciary officials cite threats against judges as they make case to ...
- Conservatives bristle over judges' security funding
