Federal Judges Request $22 Million for Upcoming Terror Trial Security

The federal judiciary is requesting $22 million in fiscal 2011 to cover expected costs associated with “high-threat” trials of suspected terrorists. The request, the first of its kind according to Mainjustice.com, acknowledges “certain security and logistical challenges” unique to terrorism trials but steers clear of the raging debate over whether suspected terrorists should be prosecuted in federal court or by military tribunal. The $22 million is part of the federal judiciary’s $7.3 billion budget request, which was presented to a House Appropriations subcommittee last week. The money will pay for armed guards, rooftop snipers, bomb-sniffing dogs, blocked streets and identification checks.