The House passed a bill 396-27 to increase security for Supreme Court justices’ immediate families on Tuesday, approving a measure that had already been passed by unanimous consent in the Senate.
The bill comes after one man was arrested for allegedly plotting to kill Justice Brett Kavanaugh and protesters demonstrated outside the homes of conservative justices following the leak of a draft opinion in a high-profile abortion case.
The bill provides for 24-hour protection for Supreme Court justices’ families, similar to what is already provided for some members of the executive and legislative branches.
All 27 nay votes were Democrats.
The Senate bill was introduced three days after Politico published the leaked draft opinion, which suggested that the Supreme Court intends to overturn Roe v. Wade. While the Senate acted quickly, the House waited more than a month before approving the bill.
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The bill expands an existing statute that currently only covers the justices themselves, as well as Supreme Court officers and employees while they are performing their duties.
Prior to announcing that the House would vote on the bill, Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., introduced an alternative bill that would grant additional protection for court staff such as clerks, but Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said it was unlikely to pass in the Senate.
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“The security issue is related to Supreme Court justices, not nameless staff that no one knows,” McConnell said.
Following the leak of the draft opinion, a left-wing organization posted the locations of the justices’ homes. This led to demonstrations outside their houses which drew support from the White House, despite federal law prohibiting such activity if it is meant to influence a judge.
California man Nicholas Roske traveled from his home state to Maryland, allegedly in order to kill Kavanaugh. Roske ended up calling 911 from outside Kavanaugh’s house. In a recording of the call, he could be heard speaking about the plan and how he decided that he did not want to go through with it.
Fox News’ Kelly Phares contributed to this report.
Source: Fox News
