RFE/RL, Inc. v. Kari Lake
Legal Issues
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Overview
Overview
The government appealed Judge Lamberth's temporary restraining order which requires the disbursement of congressional appropriated funds to cover RFE/RL's April expenditures.
The Issue
Issue
Whether the district court properly issued a temporary restraining order requiring the government to disburse congressionally appropriated funds to RFE/RL despite an executive fund freeze.
The Rules
Rule
Courts apply the traditional preliminary injunction standard. Likelihood of success on the merits, irreparable harm, balance of equities, and public interest. And must account for separation of powers concerns when executive action conflicts with congressional appropriations authority.
The Application
Analysis
The district court found the TRO warranted based on RFE/RL's likelihood of success on its appropriations claim and irreparable harm from nonpayment of lawful obligations, requiring disbursement of April expenditures despite the freeze.
The Conclusion
Conclusion
The CADC reviewed whether the TRO was proper, resolving the conflict between the executive's asserted authority to freeze funds and Congress's power of the purse over RFE/RL's statutory appropriations.
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