Senate passes bill to give police protection to families of Supreme Court justices

A bill to grant security for the families of U.S. Supreme Court justices unanimously passed the Senate Monday.

The Supreme Court Police Parity Act would provide police protection to the immediate families of the nine justices and other officers of the court, if the "Marshal determines such protection is necessary," the legislation says.

The bill, which was introduced by Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, will now go before the House of Representatives.

"Threats to the physical safety of Supreme Court Justices and their families are disgraceful, and attempts to intimidate and influence the independence of our judiciary cannot be tolerated," Cornyn said in a statement.

A protest and vigil against the move was organized at Justice Samuel Alito's house Monday.

On Saturday, protesters also arrived at the homes of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Police have set up a tall fence and blocked off streets this week as people have protested in front of the Supreme Court Building, which is across from the U.S. Capitol. They have also shut down the plaza and steps in front of the building.

“Trying to scare federal judges into ruling a certain way is far outside the bounds of normal First Amendment speech or protest,” Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell said ahead of the vote.