Update

The parties to this action have dismissed this case with prejudice. Read the stipulation of dismissal below.

Latest Update

On February 21, 2024, CREW received records from the State Department on its pattern of responding to congressional requests along party lines.

Review the records here

CREW is suing the State Department for failing to turn over records in response to CREW’s investigation into State’s pattern of responding to congressional requests for documents along party lines. State has repeatedly stonewalled requests from Democratic members of Congress while, at the same time, fast-tracked requests from Republican members, impeding Congress’ ability to conduct oversight, which is a crucial check on executive power. 

The requested records would shed light on the circumstances surrounding the State Department’s voluntary and efficient cooperation with requests from Senate Republican chairs regarding Burisma Holdings and Ukraine, while simultaneously refusing to comply with numerous requests for information and testimony from House Democratic chairs. This conduct has concerning implications for deficiencies in State’s policies related to congressional oversight and possible misconduct by State Department employees handling these requests. 

The public deserves to know if the State Department under Secretary Mike Pompeo, who is currently under ethics investigation for misuse of government resources, has politicized the agency’s response to congressional document requests to benefit the president’s personal and partisan interests. The State Department should be working for all Americans, not just those who align with Trump’s partisan agenda.

Lawsuit Documents

  • Complaint
    Jul 28, 2020
    Download
  • Defendant's Answer to Complaint
    September 2, 2020
    Read here
  • Defendant Motion for Summary Judgement
    May 18, 2021
    Read here
  • Plaintiff Opposition to Defendant's Motion
    June 18, 2021
    Read here
  • Plaintiff's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgement
    June 18, 2021
    Read here
  • Defendant Support of Motion for Summary Judgement
    July 9, 2021
    Read here
  • Memorandum and Opinion
    February 11, 2021
    Read here
  • Joint Stipulation for Dismissal with Prejudice
    May 17, 2022
    Read here

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