Case: Harris v. Bessent

1:25-cv-00412 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: Feb. 11, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case challenged the Trump Administration's termination of a member of the Merit Systems Protection Board. On February 11, 2025, Cathy Harris, a duly appointed/confirmed Member of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) filed this lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. She sued President Trump, the Secretary of Treasury, the Acting Chairman of the Merit System Protection Board, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Director and Deputy …

This case challenged the Trump Administration's termination of a member of the Merit Systems Protection Board.

On February 11, 2025, Cathy Harris, a duly appointed/confirmed Member of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) filed this lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. She sued President Trump, the Secretary of Treasury, the Acting Chairman of the Merit System Protection Board, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Director and Deputy Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office to challenge her firing, which she alleged violated 5 U.S.C. § 1202, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Separation of Powers. Represented by private counsel, the complaint sought declaratory and injunctive relief as well as attorney fees. Simultaneously with the complaint, the plaintiff also filed an emergency motion for temporary restraining order (TRO) to pause her firing.

The key precedent in the case is the 1935 case of Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, 295 U.S. 602 (1935), in which the Supreme Court held that the president lacked the authority to fire a member of the Federal Trade Commission whose tenure was protected by statute. In 2020, in Seila Law LLC v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 140 S. Ct. 2183 (2020), the Court cut back the Humphrey's Executor rule, holding that the statute protecting the CFPB's single director—allowing his removal only for “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office" unconstitutionally infringed the President's exercise of "the Executive power." But the Court expressly stated that Seila Law's holding did not reach for-cause removal protection for members of a multi-member commission, such as the MSPB.

The case was assigned to District Judge Rudolph Contreras. On Feb. 18, Judge Contreras granted the TRO, ordering the plaintiff's restoration as Chair of the MSPB until the court ruled whether a preliminary injunction should issue--a hearing on that was set for March 3, 2025. 775 F.Supp.3d 86. On Feb. 20, the government filed a district court motion for a stay of this order; Judge Contreras rejected a stay. 2025 WL 2576527. The government appealed, but while the appeal was being briefed, Judge Contreras granted summary judgment and an injunction and declaratory judgment on March 4, 2025. 775 F.Supp.3d 164. The court declared that Plaintiff Cathy A. Harris remains a member of the Merit Systems Protection Board and ordered that she shall continue to serve as a member of the Merit Systems Protection Board until her term expires pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 1202, unless she is removed earlier for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office under that statute. It enjoined the defendants from treating the plaintiff as having been removed, denying or obstructing her access to any of the benefits or resources of her office, placing a replacement in her position, or otherwise recognizing any other person as a member of the Merit Systems Protection Board in Harris’s position. ___ F.Supp. 3d ___, 2025 WL 679303.

This government immediately appealed, and the D.C. Circuit consolidated that appeal with the pending appeal of the Temporary Restraining Order; oral argument was held on March 18, 2025, before Judges Henderson, Millett and Walker. On March 28, 2025, each member of the panel issued a different opinion: Judges Walker and Henderson voted for granting the government's emergency motions for stay; Judge Millett dissented. 2025 WL 2576684. 2025 WL 980278.

The plaintiff sought en banc review and an administrative stay of the panel decision. On April 7, 2025, by a vote of 7-4, the en banc court of appeals vacated the panel’s stay, allowing the district court's injunction to take effect. 2025 WL 1021435. The court read the Supreme Court case of Humphrey's Executor v. United States, 295 U.S. 602 (1935), to establish the lawfulness of “removal restrictions for governmental officials on multimember adjudicatory boards.” By a vote of 6-5, the court also denied the government’s request to stay the vacatur of the panel’s order for seven days to give the government time to seek Supreme Court relief. 2025 WL 1033740.

The government immediately sought a stay from the Supreme Court; Chief Justice Roberts granted an administrative stay on April 9. 2025 WL 1063917. Then, on May 22, the Court granted a longer-lasting stay during the disposition of the case in the D.C. Circuit and any review in the Supreme Court. 145 S.Ct. 1415. Justice Kagan, joined by Justice Sotomayor and Justice Jackson, dissented. The Court's unsigned majority opinion stated:

The stay reflects our judgment that the Government is likely to show that both the NLRB and
MSPB exercise considerable executive power. But we do not ultimately decide in this posture whether the NLRB or MSPB falls within . . . a recognized exception; that question is better left for resolution after full briefing and argument.

___ S.Ct. ___, 2025 WL 1464804.

Meanwhile, oral argument was held in the D.C. Circuit on May 16, 2025. On September 22, the Supreme Court notified the D.C. Circuit that it declined to grant certiorari prior to judgement.

On December 5, 2025, the D.C. Circuit Court reversed the District court's findings, ruling that Congress cannot restrict the President’s ability to remove NLRB or MSPB members. Circuit Judge Katsas wrote the opinion for the Court. Under Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, 295 U.S. 602 (1935), Congress may restrict the President’s ability to remove principal officers who wield only quasi-legislative or quasi-judicial powers. But under Seila Law LLC v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 591 U.S. 197 (2020), Congress may not restrict the President’s ability to remove principal officers who wield substantial executive power. The Court found that the NLRB and MSPB wield substantial powers that are both executive in nature and different from the powers that Humphrey’s Executor deemed to be merely quasi-legislative or quasi-judicial.

The Court reasoned that the MSPB had "substantial [executive] power" for the reasons that follow:

The CSRA empowers the MSPB to promulgate regulations “for the performance of its functions,” 5 U.S.C. § 1204(h), and “for the purpose of section 7521,” id. § 1305.
The CSRA empowers the MSPB to promulgate regulations “for the performance of its functions,” 5 U.S.C. § 1204(h), and “for the purpose of section 7521,” id. § 1305.
The power to “unilaterally issue final decisions” is a significant executive power that was not present in Humphrey’s Executor.
The MSPB has wide jurisdiction.
The MSPB has a wide breadth of remedial authority.

Taking all of these together, the Court found that--because the MSPB has at least some substantive rulemaking power; it administers a host of wide-ranging federal statutes; it awards various kinds of affirmative, compensatory, and punitive relief; and it litigates in court on its own behalf--these powers well exceed the powers deemed to be quasi-legislative or quasi-judicial in Humphrey’s Executor and the powers vested in the War Claims Commission. For these reasons, Congress may not restrict the President’s ability to remove MSPB members.

	Document
2-1 1:25-cv-00412	Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiff’s Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order	Feb. 11, 2025	Feb. 11, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
1 1:25-cv-00412	Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief	Feb. 11, 2025	Feb. 11, 2025 Complaint
6 1:25-cv-00412	Defendants’ Opposition to Plaintiff’s Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order	Feb. 13, 2025	Feb. 13, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
7 1:25-cv-00412	Plaintiff's Reply in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order	Feb. 14, 2025	Feb. 14, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
9 1:25-cv-00412	Memorandum Opinion	Feb. 18, 2025	Feb. 18, 2025 Order/Opinion 775 F.Supp.3d 86
16 1:25-cv-00412	Defendants' Motion to Stay the Court's Temporary Restraining Order	Feb. 20, 2025	Feb. 20, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
17 1:25-cv-00412	Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Stay Temporary Restraining Order	Feb. 20, 2025	Feb. 20, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
18 1:25-cv-00412	Order	Feb. 20, 2025	Feb. 20, 2025 Order/Opinion 2025 WL 2576527
22 1:25-cv-00412	Plaintiff's Motion For Preliminary Injunction and Judgment on the Merits	Feb. 23, 2025	Feb. 23, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
33 1:25-cv-00412	Defendants’ Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Motion for Judgment on the Merits	Feb. 28, 2025	Feb. 28, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief

ECF Number	Description	Date	Link Date / Link
1	COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-11473515) filed by CATHY A. HARRIS. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet, # 3 Summons Summons for Attorney General, # 4 Summons Summons for Scott Bessent, # 5 Summons Summons for Sergio Gor, # 6 Summons Summons for Henry Kerner, # 7 Summons Summons for Trent Morse, # 8 Summons Summons for Donald Trump, # 9 Summons Summons for USAO, # 10 Summons Summons for Vought)(Kator, Michael) Modified attorney on 2/12/2025 (znmw). (Entered: 02/11/2025) 1 Exhibit Exhibit A View on PACER 2 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER 3 Summons Summons for Attorney General View on PACER 4 Summons Summons for Scott Bessent View on PACER 5 Summons Summons for Sergio Gor View on PACER 6 Summons Summons for Henry Kerner View on PACER 7 Summons Summons for Trent Morse View on PACER 8 Summons Summons for Donald Trump View on PACER 9 Summons Summons for USAO View on PACER 10 Summons Summons for Vought View on PACER	Feb. 11, 2025	Feb. 11, 2025 Clearinghouse
2	Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order by CATHY A. HARRIS. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit A, # 3 Compliance Report, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Riggs, Kerrie) (Entered: 02/11/2025) 1 Memorandum in Support View on RECAP 2 Exhibit Exhibit A View on RECAP 3 Compliance Report View on RECAP 4 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	Feb. 11, 2025	Feb. 11, 2025 RECAP
3	NOTICE of Appearance by Linda Marie Correia on behalf of CATHY A. HARRIS (Correia, Linda) (Entered: 02/11/2025)	Feb. 11, 2025	Feb. 11, 2025
4	SUMMONS (8) Issued Electronically as to All Defendants, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(znmw) (Entered: 02/12/2025)	Feb. 12, 2025	Feb. 12, 2025
	Case Assigned/Reassigned	Feb. 12, 2025	Feb. 12, 2025
	Case Assigned to Judge Rudolph Contreras. (znmw)	Feb. 12, 2025	Feb. 12, 2025
	Notice of Error	Feb. 12, 2025	Feb. 12, 2025
	.Order	Feb. 12, 2025	Feb. 12, 2025
	Set/Reset Hearings	Feb. 12, 2025	Feb. 12, 2025
	NOTICE OF ERROR regarding 2 Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order, 1 Complaint. Please note the following error for future filings: Invalid attorney signature- signature on document must match PACER login. Do not refile; future non-compliant documents may be entered in error. (znmw)	Feb. 12, 2025	Feb. 12, 2025
	Order	Feb. 12, 2025	Feb. 12, 2025
	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of 2 Plaintiff's Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, it is hereby ORDERED that the parties shall appear for a hearing on the matter on February 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in Courtroom 23A. It is FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiff shall serve Defendants with a copy of this order immediately upon receipt. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 2/12/2025. (lcrc3)	Feb. 12, 2025	Feb. 12, 2025
	Set/Reset Hearings: Motion Hearing set for 2/13/2025 at 03:00 PM in Courtroom 23A- In Person before Judge Rudolph Contreras. (tj)	Feb. 12, 2025	Feb. 12, 2025
5	NOTICE of Appearance by Madeline McMahon on behalf of All Defendants (McMahon, Madeline) (Entered: 02/13/2025)	Feb. 13, 2025	Feb. 13, 2025
6	Memorandum in opposition to re 2 Motion for TRO filed by SCOTT BESSENT, TRENT MORSE, SERGIO GOR, HENRY J. KERNER, DONALD J. TRUMP, RUSSELL T. VOUGHT. (McMahon, Madeline) (Entered: 02/13/2025)	Feb. 13, 2025	Feb. 13, 2025 Clearinghouse
	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Rudolph Contreras: Motion Hearing held on 2/13/2025 re 2 Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by plaintiff CATHY A. HARRIS Oral argument heard, and plaintiff shall file a reply to the government's opposition by 2/14/2025. The court takes the motion under advisement. (Court Reporter: Tim Miller) (tj)	Feb. 13, 2025	Feb. 13, 2025
	Motion Hearing AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines	Feb. 13, 2025	Feb. 13, 2025
	NOTICE: The Court will provide public access to the motion hearing in this matter now scheduled for 2/13/2025 at 3:00pm before the Hon. Rudolph Contreras. Members of the public shall adhere to the rules set forth on the Court's website. Toll Free Number: (833) 990-9400; Meeting ID 698780857. (tj)	Feb. 13, 2025	Feb. 13, 2025
	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Rudolph Contreras: Motion Hearing held on 2/13/2025 re 2 Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order filed by plaintiff CATHY A. HARRIS. Oral argument heard, and plaintiff shall file a reply to the government's opposition by 2/14/2025. The court takes the motion under advisement. (Court Reporter: Tim Miller) (tj)	Feb. 13, 2025	Feb. 13, 2025
7	REPLY to opposition to motion re 2 Motion for TRO filed by CATHY A. HARRIS. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit B)(Riggs, Kerrie) (Entered: 02/14/2025) 1 Exhibit Exhibit B View on RECAP	Feb. 14, 2025	Feb. 14, 2025 Clearinghouse
8	ORDER granting 2 Motion for Temporary Restraining Order. See document for details. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 2/18/2025. (lcrc3) (Entered: 02/18/2025)	Feb. 18, 2025	Feb. 18, 2025 RECAP
9	MEMORANDUM OPINION granting 2 Motion for Temporary Restraining Order. See document for details. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 2/18/2025. (lcrc3)	Feb. 18, 2025	Feb. 18, 2025 Clearinghouse
10	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Jeremy Wright, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11486595. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by CATHY A. HARRIS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of J.Wright, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Riggs, Kerrie) (Entered: 02/18/2025) 1 Declaration Declaration of J.Wright View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order View on RECAP	Feb. 18, 2025	Feb. 18, 2025 RECAP
11	ERRATA Submission of Certificate of Good Standing by CATHY A. HARRIS re 10 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice,. (Riggs, Kerrie) (Entered: 02/18/2025)	Feb. 18, 2025	Feb. 18, 2025 RECAP
	.Order	Feb. 18, 2025	Feb. 18, 2025
	NOTICE OF ERROR regarding 10 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice: Attorney Name- Jeremy Wright. The following error(s) need correction: Pro Hac Vice motion must be accompanied by a Certificate of Good Standing issued within the last 30 days (LCvR 83.2(c)(2)). Please file certificate as an Errata. (lcrc3)	Feb. 18, 2025	Feb. 18, 2025
12	NOTICE of Appearance by Jeremy D. Wright on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Wright, Jeremy) (Entered: 02/19/2025)	Feb. 19, 2025	Feb. 19, 2025
13	Joint STATUS REPORT by CATHY A. HARRIS, SCOTT BESSENT, TRENT MORSE, SERGIO GOR, HENRY J. KERNER, DONALD J. TRUMP, RUSSELL T. VOUGHT. (Wright, Jeremy) (Entered: 02/19/2025)	Feb. 19, 2025	Feb. 19, 2025 RECAP
	MINUTE ORDER granting 10 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice: Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.2, it is hereby ORDERED that Jeremy D. Wright is admitted to represent Plaintiff Cathy A. Harris pro hac vice in this case. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.6(a). Click for instructions. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 2/19/2025. (lcrc3)	Feb. 19, 2025	Feb. 19, 2025
	Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings	Feb. 19, 2025	Feb. 19, 2025
	Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings: Motions due by 2/23/2025. Responses due by 2/28/2025 Replies due by 3/2/2025. Status Report due by 2/19/2025 Motion Hearing set for 3/3/2025 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 23A- In Person before Judge Rudolph Contreras. (tj)	Feb. 19, 2025	Feb. 19, 2025
14	NOTICE OF INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL TO DC CIRCUIT COURT as to 8 Order on Motion for TRO by SCOTT BESSENT, TRENT MORSE, SERGIO GOR, HENRY J. KERNER, DONALD J. TRUMP, RUSSELL T. VOUGHT. Fee Status: No Fee Paid. Parties have been notified. (McMahon, Madeline) Modified event on 2/20/2025 (mg). (Entered: 02/20/2025)	Feb. 20, 2025	Feb. 20, 2025 RECAP
15	Transmission of the Notice of Appeal, Order Appealed (Memorandum Opinion), and Docket Sheet to US Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals docketing fee was not paid because the appeal was filed by the government re 14 Notice of Interlocutory Appeal to DC Circuit Court,. (mg) (Entered: 02/20/2025)	Feb. 20, 2025	Feb. 20, 2025 RECAP
16	MOTION to Stay re 8 Order on Motion for TRO Pending Appeal by SCOTT BESSENT, TRENT MORSE, SERGIO GOR, HENRY J. KERNER, DONALD J. TRUMP, RUSSELL T. VOUGHT. (McMahon, Madeline) (Entered: 02/20/2025)	Feb. 20, 2025	Feb. 20, 2025 Clearinghouse
17	RESPONSE re 16 MOTION to Stay re 8 Order on Motion for TRO Pending Appeal filed by CATHY A. HARRIS. (Wright, Jeremy) (Entered: 02/20/2025)	Feb. 20, 2025	Feb. 20, 2025 Clearinghouse
18	ORDER denying 16 Motion to Stay Temporary Restraining Order. See document for details. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 2/20/2025. (lcrc3) (Entered: 02/20/2025)	Feb. 20, 2025	Feb. 20, 2025 Clearinghouse
	USCA Case Number 25-5037 for 14 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court, filed by RUSSELL T. VOUGHT, DONALD J. TRUMP, SERGIO GOR, HENRY J. KERNER, TRENT MORSE, SCOTT BESSENT. (mg)	Feb. 20, 2025	Feb. 20, 2025
	USCA Case Number	Feb. 21, 2025	Feb. 21, 2025
19	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Neal Kumar Katyal, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11497771. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by CATHY A. HARRIS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Neal Kumar Katyal, # 2 Exhibit Katyal Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Riggs, Kerrie) (Entered: 02/22/2025) 1 Declaration Declaration of Neal Kumar Katyal View on RECAP 2 Exhibit Katyal Certificate of Good Standing View on RECAP 3 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order View on RECAP	Feb. 22, 2025	Feb. 22, 2025
20	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Nathaniel A.G. Zelinsky, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11497772. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by CATHY A. HARRIS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Nathaniel A.G. Zelinsky, # 2 Exhibit Zelinsky Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Riggs, Kerrie) (Entered: 02/22/2025) 1 Declaration Declaration of Nathaniel A.G. Zelinsky View on RECAP 2 Exhibit Zelinsky Certificate of Good Standing View on RECAP 3 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order View on RECAP	Feb. 22, 2025	Feb. 22, 2025
21	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Ezra Louvis, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11497773. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by CATHY A. HARRIS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Ezra Louvis, # 2 Exhibit Louvis Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Riggs, Kerrie) (Entered: 02/22/2025) 1 Declaration Declaration of Ezra Louvis View on RECAP 2 Exhibit Louvis Certificate of Good Standing View on RECAP 3 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order View on RECAP	Feb. 22, 2025	Feb. 22, 2025
22	MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, MOTION for Judgment, MOTION for Permanent Injunction, MOTION for Summary Judgment, MOTION for Writ of Mandamus, MOTION for Declaratory Judgment by CATHY A. HARRIS. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Statement of Facts, # 3 Exhibit Declaration of Cathy A. Harris, # 4 Exhibit Termination Email)(Wright, Jeremy) (Entered: 02/23/2025) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP 2 Statement of Facts View on RECAP 3 Exhibit Declaration of Cathy A. Harris View on RECAP 4 Exhibit Termination Email View on RECAP	Feb. 23, 2025	Feb. 23, 2025 Clearinghouse
23	Consent MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief by CONSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY CENTER. (Attachments: # 1 Appendix Proposed Amicus Curiae Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Gorod, Brianne) (Entered: 02/24/2025) 1 Appendix Proposed Amicus Curiae Brief View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	Feb. 24, 2025	Feb. 24, 2025 RECAP
24	NOTICE of Appearance by Nathaniel Avi Gideon Zelinsky on behalf of CATHY A. HARRIS (Zelinsky, Nathaniel) (Entered: 02/24/2025)	Feb. 24, 2025	Feb. 24, 2025
25	NOTICE of Appearance by Ezra Louvis on behalf of CATHY A. HARRIS (Louvis, Ezra) (Entered: 02/24/2025)	Feb. 24, 2025	Feb. 24, 2025
	MINUTE ORDER granting 19, 20, 21 Motions for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice: Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.2, it is hereby ORDERED that Neal K. Katyal, Nathaniel A.G. Zelinsky, and Ezra P. Louvis are admitted to represent Plaintiff Cathy A. Harris pro hac vice in this case. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.6(a). Click for instructions. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 2/24/2025. (lcrc3)	Feb. 24, 2025	Feb. 24, 2025
	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice	Feb. 24, 2025	Feb. 24, 2025
26	NOTICE of Appearance by Neal Kumar Katyal on behalf of CATHY A. HARRIS (Katyal, Neal) (Entered: 02/25/2025)	Feb. 25, 2025	Feb. 25, 2025
27	TRANSCRIPT OF TRO HEARING before Judge Rudolph Contreras held on 2-13-25; Page Numbers: 1-19; Date of Issuance: 2-26-25; Court Reporter: Timothy R. Miller, Telephone Number (202) 354-3111. Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the Transcript Order FormFor the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the transcript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter.NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at www.dcd.uscourts.gov. Redaction Request due 3/19/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 3/29/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 5/27/2025.(Miller, Timothy) (Entered: 02/26/2025)	Feb. 26, 2025	Feb. 26, 2025
28	NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL by Jeremy Samuel Bloch Newman on behalf of All Defendants Substituting for attorney Madeline M. McMahon (Newman, Jeremy) (Entered: 02/27/2025)	Feb. 27, 2025	Feb. 27, 2025 RECAP
29	NOTICE of Appearance by Jeffrey Paul DeSousa, I on behalf of STATE OF FLORIDA (DeSousa, Jeffrey) (Entered: 02/28/2025)	Feb. 28, 2025	Feb. 28, 2025
30	NOTICE of Appearance by Nathan Andrew Forrester on behalf of STATE OF FLORIDA (Forrester, Nathan) (Entered: 02/28/2025)	Feb. 28, 2025	Feb. 28, 2025
31	NOTICE of Appearance by Darrick Monson on behalf of STATE OF FLORIDA (Monson, Darrick) (Entered: 02/28/2025)	Feb. 28, 2025	Feb. 28, 2025
32	NOTICE of Appearance by David Costello on behalf of STATE OF FLORIDA (Costello, David) (Entered: 02/28/2025)	Feb. 28, 2025	Feb. 28, 2025
33	RESPONSE re 22 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction MOTION for Judgment MOTION for Permanent Injunction MOTION for Summary Judgment MOTION for Writ of Mandamus MOTION for Declaratory Judgment filed by SCOTT BESSENT, TRENT MORSE, SERGIO GOR, HENRY J. KERNER, DONALD J. TRUMP, RUSSELL T. VOUGHT. (Newman, Jeremy) (Entered: 02/28/2025)	Feb. 28, 2025	Feb. 28, 2025 Clearinghouse
34	AMICUS BRIEF by STATE OF FLORIDA. (DeSousa, Jeffrey) (Entered: 02/28/2025)	Feb. 28, 2025	Feb. 28, 2025 Clearinghouse
35	NOTICE of Appearance by Whitney D. Hermandorfer on behalf of STATE OF TENNESSEE (Hermandorfer, Whitney) (Entered: 03/01/2025)	March 1, 2025	March 1, 2025
36	NOTICE of Appearance by Joseph Fiorile on behalf of STATE OF TENNESSEE (Fiorile, Joseph) (Entered: 03/01/2025)	March 1, 2025	March 1, 2025
37	AMICUS BRIEF by STATE OF TENNESSEE. (Hermandorfer, Whitney) (Entered: 03/01/2025)	March 1, 2025	March 1, 2025 Clearinghouse
38	REPLY to opposition to motion re 22 Motion for Preliminary Injunction,, Motion for Judgment,, Motion for Permanent Injunction,, Motion for Summary Judgment,, Motion for Writ of Mandamus,, Motion for Declaratory Judgment, filed by CATHY A. HARRIS. (Wright, Jeremy) (Entered: 03/02/2025)	March 2, 2025	March 2, 2025 Clearinghouse
	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Rudolph Contreras: Hearing on the Motion for Preliminary Injunction 22 held on 3/3/2025. Oral argument heard, and the court takes the motion under advisement. (Court Reporter: Tim Miller) (tj)	March 3, 2025	March 3, 2025
39	ORDER granting 22 Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment and granting declaratory and injunctive relief. See document for details. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 3/4/2025. (lcrc3) (Entered: 03/04/2025)	March 4, 2025	March 4, 2025 Clearinghouse
40	MEMORANDUM OPINION granting 22 Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment and granting declaratory and injunctive relief. See document for details. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 3/4/2025. (lcrc3) (Entered: 03/04/2025)	March 4, 2025	March 4, 2025 Clearinghouse
41	NOTICE OF APPEAL TO DC CIRCUIT COURT as to 39 Order on Motion for Declaratory Judgment, Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction, Order on Motion for Judgment, Order on Motion for Permanent Injunction, Order on Motion for Summary Judgment, Order on Motion for Writ of Mandamus, 40 Memorandum & Opinion by SCOTT BESSENT, TRENT MORSE, SERGIO GOR, HENRY J. KERNER, DONALD J. TRUMP, RUSSELL T. VOUGHT. Fee Status: No Fee Paid. Parties have been notified. (Newman, Jeremy) (Entered: 03/04/2025)	March 4, 2025	March 4, 2025 RECAP
42	MOTION to Stay Court's Order Pending Appeal by SCOTT BESSENT, TRENT MORSE, SERGIO GOR, HENRY J. KERNER, DONALD J. TRUMP, RUSSELL T. VOUGHT. (Newman, Jeremy) (Entered: 03/04/2025)	March 4, 2025	March 4, 2025 RECAP
43	Transmission of the Notice of Appeal, Order Appealed (Memorandum Opinion), and Docket Sheet to US Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals docketing fee was not paid because the appeal was filed by the government re 41 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court,. (zjm) (Main Document 43 replaced on 3/4/2025) (zjm). (Entered: 03/04/2025)	March 4, 2025	March 4, 2025 RECAP
44	RESPONSE re 42 MOTION to Stay Court's Order Pending Appeal filed by CATHY A. HARRIS. (Wright, Jeremy) (Entered: 03/04/2025)	March 4, 2025	March 4, 2025 RECAP
46	AMICUS BRIEF by CONSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY CENTER. (mg) (Entered: 03/05/2025)	March 4, 2025	March 4, 2025 RECAP
	MINUTE ORDER granting 23 Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief: It is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED, and that the brief is DEEMED FILED. SO ORDERED. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 3/4/2025. (lcrc3)	March 4, 2025	March 4, 2025
	USCA Case Number 25-5055 for 41 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court, filed by RUSSELL T. VOUGHT, DONALD J. TRUMP, SERGIO GOR, HENRY J. KERNER, TRENT MORSE, SCOTT BESSENT. (mg)	March 4, 2025	March 4, 2025
45	ORDER denying 42 Motion to Stay Order Pending Appeal. See document for details. Signed by Judge Rudolph Contreras on 3/5/2025. (lcrc3) (Entered: 03/05/2025)	March 5, 2025	March 5, 2025 Clearinghouse
	USCA Case Number	March 7, 2025	March 7, 2025
47	TRANSCRIPT OF HEARING ON PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION before Judge Rudolph Contreras held on 3-3-25; Page Numbers: 1-24; Date of Issuance: 3-20-25; Court Reporter: Timothy R. Miller, Telephone Number (202) 354-3111. Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the Transcript Order FormFor the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the transcript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter.NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at www.dcd.uscourts.gov. Redaction Request due 4/10/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 4/20/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 6/18/2025.(Miller, Timothy) (Entered: 03/20/2025)	March 20, 2025	March 20, 2025 RECAP

Case: Harris v. Bessent

1:25-cv-00412 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

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