Case: Wiley v. Kennedy

2:25-cv-00227 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia

Filed Date: April 7, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a proposed class action challenging the Trump administration's near-dissolution of the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program. On April 7, 2025, a coal miner filed this lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its Secretary. Represented by private counsel, the plaintiff challenged the termination of HHS employees overseeing the screening and job transfer programs related t…

This is a proposed class action challenging the Trump administration's near-dissolution of the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program.

On April 7, 2025, a coal miner filed this lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its Secretary. Represented by private counsel, the plaintiff challenged the termination of HHS employees overseeing the screening and job transfer programs related to coal mine dust lung disease (CMDLD). The Plaintiff, seeking to represent a class of similarly situated coal miners, argued that the termination of these HHS employees endangered him and other coal miners and violated the Administrative Procedure Act. Plaintiff asked the court to declare that defendants actions violated the APA and order defendants fully restore the NIOSH Respiratory Health Division in Morgantown, West Virginia. The case was assigned to District Judge Irene Cornelia Berger.

On April 21, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint adding procedural due process claims and moved for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction.

The court held an evidentiary hearing on May 7 and on May 13 issued a preliminary injunction. 2025 WL 1384768. The court found that the plaintiff had standing, since as "an active coal miner with diagnosed black lung, he is within the group intended to be protected by the Mine Act and Part 90, and he is among those served by the CWHSP at NIOSH," and is therefore harmed by the elimination of those services. The court found that through the elimination of the vast majority of employees at the Respiratory Health Division (RHD) and the CWSHP, the agencies had been shut down, constituting final agency action reviewable under the APA. The court then found the defendants' actions to be arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law under the APA. Under the Mine Act and associated regulations, HHS is required to "to provide medical examinations to screen for black lung, to evaluate chest radiographs and spirometry tests, to issue Part 90 findings to miners with signs of black lung, to maintain a mobile health unit that travels to mines and mining communities, to maintain the B-Reader program, and to provide chest autopsies to examine for black lung in deceased miners." However, with the terminations of the employees, HHS was not fulfilling those obligations. Therefore, the court found that the plaintiff had established a strong likelihood of success on the merits of his APA claims. 

The injunction requires restoration of all personnel and continuation of the miner health programs at issue. The court also ordered that, in the event of a reorganization at HHS, there be no pause in the protections mandated by statute. The court did not address class certification. On June 17, the court set a schedule for the case going forward. However, on July 9, the plaintiff asked the court for leave to file an amended complaint. The court has not yet ruled on the request. 

On August 14, 2025, the court granted plaintiff’s motion to file an amendment complaint, which plaintiff filed the same day. Plaintiffs wanted to amend the complaint to “include miners who do not yet have evidence of pneumoconiosis but are entitled to screening.” 2025 WL 2375205. Defendants moved to dismiss this complaint.

On September 11, 2025 defendants filed a motion seeking a protective order. The plaintiff filed a reply in which they said defendants “display an almost shocking level of hubris” through their lack of cooperation during discovery. The court denied the defendants' motion for a protective order and ordered them to comply with plaintiff’s discovery requests within 10 days. The following day, on October 1, 2025, defendants filed a motion to hold this civil matter in abeyance due to the lapse of congressional appropriations due to the government shut down. The court granted this request on October 7.

The case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Scott Shuchart (5/13/2025)

Jeremiah Price (7/7/2025)

Maddy Ligon (11/12/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69870462/parties/wiley-v-kennedy/


Judge(s)

Berger, Irene Cornelia (West Virginia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Becher, J. Michael (West Virginia)

Petsonk, Samuel Brown (West Virginia)

Attorney for Defendant

Bailey, Jason S. (West Virginia)

Lindsay, Matthew C. (West Virginia)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

2:25-cv-00227

Complaint

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

Complaint
10

2:25-cv-00227

Amended Complaint

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Complaint
36

2:25-cv-00227

Memorandum Opinion and Order

May 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 1384768

58

2:25-cv-00227

Memorandum Opinion and Order

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 2375205

72

2:25-cv-00227

Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Opposition to Protective Order

Sept. 25, 2025

Sept. 25, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69870462/wiley-v-kennedy/

Last updated April 20, 2026, 3:53 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT with Jury Demand. Filing Fee $405.00. Receipt # CWVSDC-8860820. (Attachments: # 1 Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., proposed summons, # 2 US Department of Health and Human Services proposed summons, # 3 Civil Cover Sheet) (lca) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

1 Robert F. Kenned, Jr., proposed summons

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2 US Department of Health and Human Services proposed summons

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3 Civil Cover Sheet

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April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

Clearinghouse

Case Assigned

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

CASE assigned to Judge Irene C. Berger. (klc)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

2

ELECTRONIC SUMMONS ISSUED as to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, re: 1 Complaint. Summons returnable 60 days. Instructions to Counsel: This is your electronic summons. Please print as many copies of the Summons and Complaint as are necessary to effectuate service under Fed. R. Civ. P. 4. See Proof of Service page of this Summons form for filing a return of service if required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(l). (Attachment: # 1 Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., summons) (lca)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

3

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER FOR ASSIGNMENT AND REFERRAL TO MAGISTRATE JUDGES OF CIVIL ACTIONS ASSIGNED TO JUDGE IRENE C. BERGER ENTERED NOVEMBER 12, 2019. This matter referred to Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn for Discovery. (cc: counsel of record; any pro se party) (klc)

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

4

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, re: 1 Complaint . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services served on 4/15/2025, answer due 6/16/2025. Person Served: Matthew Lindsay, USA. (Attachments: # 1 Return Receipt as to DHHS, # 2 Return Receipt as to USA, # 3 Return Receipt as to Attorney General) (Petsonk, Samuel) (Modified on 4/22/2025 to correct link, correct answer due date and attach certified mail return receipts) (kew).

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

5

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., re: 1 Complaint. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. served on 4/14/2025, answer due 5/5/2025. (Petsonk, Samuel) (Modified on 4/22/2025 to correct link) (kew).

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

6

NOTICE of Filing Amended Complaint by Harry Wiley. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D)(Petsonk, Samuel)

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

7

MOTION by Harry Wiley for Preliminary Injunction (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H)(Petsonk, Samuel)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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4 Exhibit D

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5 Exhibit E

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6 Exhibit F

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7 Exhibit G

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8 Exhibit H

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April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

RECAP
8

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Harry Wiley in support of 7 MOTION by Harry Wiley for Preliminary Injunction (Petsonk, Samuel)

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

RECAP
10

AMENDED COMPLAINT with Jury Demand by Harry Wiley against Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Attachments: # 1 Verified Statement of Anthony Scott Laney, # 2 Verified Statement of Harry Wiley) (kew) (Entered: 04/22/2025)

1 Verified Statement of Anthony Scott Laney

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2 Verified Statement of Harry Wiley

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April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Clearinghouse
9

ORDER directing that the Defendants file a response to Plantiff's 7 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction no later than 5/1/2025 and that the parties appear for a hearing in this matter on 5/7/2025 at 10:00 AM in Charleston before Judge Irene C. Berger; further directing that lead counsel and any unrepresented parties appear fully prepared to discuss the motion and present any evidence they wish the Court to consider; further directing the Plaintiff to ensure that the Defendants are promptly served with copies of the motion, memorandum, supporting exhibits, and this Order. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 4/22/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (jsa)

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

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11

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Fred B. Westfall, Jr. on behalf of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Westfall, Fred)

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

12

NOTICE of Scheduling Conflict by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services re: 9 Order. (Westfall, Fred)

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

13

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by J. Michael Becher on behalf of Harry Wiley. (Becher, J.)

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

14

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss 10 Amended Complaint. (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Westfall, Fred)

1 Exhibit 1

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May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

RECAP
15

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Seal Attachments A through K. to Exhibit 1 to 14 Motion to Dismiss. (Attachment: # 1 Attachments A through K) (Westfall, Fred) (Modified on 5/1/2025 to add link to #14 motion) (kew).

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

16

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Exceed Page Limit for Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion to Dismiss and Response in Opposition to Motion for Preliminary Injunction with proposed document attached (Attachment: # 1 Proposed Memorandum of Law)(Westfall, Fred)

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

17

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss Demand for a Jury Trial re: 10 Amended Complaint. (Westfall, Fred)

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

RECAP
18

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in support of 17 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss Demand for a Jury Trial re: 10 Amended Complaint. (Westfall, Fred)

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

RECAP
19

ORDER directing the 15 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Seal Attachments A through K to Exhibit 1 to 14 Motion to Dismiss be filed on the public docket; the exhibits attached to the motion are to remain under seal pending further order of the Court. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 5/1/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (kew)

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

20

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Seal Attachments A through K to Exhibit 1 to 14 Motion to Dismiss; filed pursuant to the 19 Order. (kew)

May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

21

ORDER granting 16 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Exceed Page Limit for Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion to Dismiss and Response in Opposition to Motion for Preliminary Injunction; directing the memorandum in support be FILED. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 5/6/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (kew)

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

22

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in support of 14 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss 10 Amended Complaint and in opposition to 7 MOTION by Harry Wiley for Preliminary Injunction. (kew)

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

RECAP
23

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Quash Subpoena Duces Tecum Issued for David Weissman, M.D. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(Westfall, Fred)

1 Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit 2

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May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

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24

MEMORANDUM by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in support of 23 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Quash Subpoena Duces Tecum Issued for David Weissman, M.D. (Westfall, Fred)

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

RECAP
25

REPLY by Harry Wiley to 22 Memorandum of Law in Opposition. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C)(Pomponio, Bren)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

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26

ORDER granting 23 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Quash Subpoena Duces Tecum Issued for David Weissman, M.D.; directing that the subpoena duces tecum is QUASHED. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 5/6/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (kew)

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

27

MOTION HEARING held by Judge Irene C. Berger on 5/7/2025 re: 7 MOTION by Harry Wiley for Preliminary Injunction; Court Reporter: Lisa Cook. (kkt)

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

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28

ORDER granting 15 and 20 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Seal Attachments A through K to Exhibit 1; directing that Exhibits A-K (Document 15-1) be maintained UNDER SEAL. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 5/7/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (kew)

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

29

*SEALED* ATTACHMENTS A-K by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in support of 14 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss 10 Amended Complaint. (sealed pursuant to the #28 order) (kew)

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

30

WITNESS LIST by Harry Wiley Re: Preliminary Injunction Hearing held 5/7/2025. (tmr)

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

31

ORDER Directing that Plaintiff Exhibit 1, and Defendant's Exhibits 1-11, introduced at the preliminary injunction hearing held 5/7/2025, be filed under seal. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 5/7/2025. (cc: Counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (tmr)

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

32

SEALED EXHIBITS filed by Plaintiff and Defendant's pursuant to 31 Court Order: Exhibits P1 and D1-11. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit P-1, # 2 Exhibit D-1, # 3 Exhibit D-2, # 4 Exhibit D-3, # 5 Exhibit D-4, # 6 Exhibit D-5, # 7 Exhibit D-6, # 8 Exhibit D-7, # 9 Exhibit D-8, # 10 Exhibit D-9, # 11 Exhibit D-10, # 12 Exhibit D-11). (tmr)

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

33

EXHIBIT LIST and EXHIBITS by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Harry Wiley Re: Preliminary Injunction Hearing held 5/7/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit D-12, # 2 Exhibit D-13, # 3 Exhibit P-2, # 4 Exhibit P-4, # 5 Exhibit P-6 (not admitted), # 6 Exhibit P-7 (not admitted)). (tmr) (Additional attachment added on 5/8/2025: # 7 Exhibit P-5) (cbo).

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

34

EXHIBIT LIST and EXHIBITS by Harry Wiley Re: Preliminary Injunction Hearing held 5/7/2025: P3 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit P-3, # 2 Exhibit P-3 continued, # 3 Exhibit P-3 continued, # 4 Exhibit P-3 continued, # 5 Exhibit P-3 continued, # 6 Exhibit P-3 continued, # 7 Exhibit P-3 continued, # 8 Exhibit P-3 continued, # 9 Exhibit P-3 continued, # 10 Exhibit P-3 continued, # 11 Exhibit P-3 continued). (tmr)

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

NOTICE OF DOCKET CORRECTION re: 33 EXHIBIT LIST and EXHIBITS by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Harry Wiley Re: Preliminary Injunction Hearing held 5/7/2025. ERROR: Exhibit P-5 inadvertently omitted from the entry. CORRECTION: Exhibit P-5 added as an attachment. (cbo)

May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

Notice of Docket Correction

May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

35

TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS of Preliminary Injunction Hearing held on May 7, 2025, before Judge Irene C. Berger. Court Reporter Lisa Cook, Telephone number 304-347-3198. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Notice of Intent to Redact due 5/22/2025. Redaction Request due 6/2/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 6/12/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 8/11/2025. (lac)

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

36

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER granting 7 MOTION by Harry Wiley for Preliminary Injunction; directing that the RIFs be enjoined and rescinded to facilitate the full restoration of the NIOSH Respiratory Health Division including health surveillance and that there be no gap in the protections and services mandated by Congress; Defendant is directed to submit a written certification of compliance within 20 days of the entry of this Order; the security required by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c) is set at ZERO, as set forth more fully herein. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 5/13/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (kew)

May 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

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37

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Harry Wiley in response to 14 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss 10 Amended Complaint. (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit A)(Pomponio, Bren)

May 15, 2025

May 15, 2025

38

RESPONSE by Harry Wiley re: 17 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss Demand for a Jury Trial re: 10 Amended Complaint. (Pomponio, Bren)

May 15, 2025

May 15, 2025

39

ORDER AND NOTICE: Motions under FR Civ P 12(b) - 6/2/2025. Last day for Rule 26(f) meeting - 6/9/2025. Last day to file Report of Parties' Planning Meeting and Scheduling Order Worksheet - 6/16/2025. Scheduling Conference at 11:30 AM in Charleston, West Virginia on 7/2/2025, before the undersigned, unless cancelled. Entry of Scheduling Order - 7/9/2025. Last day to serve FR Civ P 26(a)(1) initial disclosures pre-discovery - 7/16/2025. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 5/19/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (mfo)

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

40

NOTICE Regarding Redactions by Harry Wiley re: 35 Transcript of Proceedings. (Petsonk, Samuel)

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

41

REPLY by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to 37 Memorandum of Law in Response. (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Westfall, Fred)

1 Exhibit 1

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May 23, 2025

May 23, 2025

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42

MOTION by Harry Wiley for Leave to File Sur-Reply to 41 Reply to Response. (Attachment: # 1 Proposed Sur-Reply)(Becher, J.) (Modified on 6/2/2025 to add link to #41 reply) (kew).

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

43

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Allow 41 Reply to Response and 42 MOTION by Harry Wiley for Leave to File Sur-Reply to be Filed. (Westfall, Fred)

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

44

CERTIFICATION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services re: 36 Memorandum Opinion and Order. (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Westfall, Fred)

1 Exhibit 1

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June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

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45

RULE 26(f) REPORT OF PLANNING MEETING by Harry Wiley, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Becher, J.) (Modified on 6/17/2025 to add party filers) (kew).

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

46

SCHEDULING ORDER directing that the scheduling conference previously scheduled for 7/2/2025 is cancelled and that this case shall proceed as follows: The amendment of any pleading and the joinder of any party shall be completed no later than 7/9/2025. Last date to serve discovery requests - 8/13/2025. All discovery to be completed - 9/4/2025. Last date to complete depositions - 9/26/2025. Opening Rule 26 expert disclosures - 7/29/2025. Responsive Rule 26 expert disclosures - 8/28/2025. Rebuttal Rule 26 expert disclosure - 9/12/2025. Dispositive motions deadline - 10/27/2025. Responses to dispositive motions are due within 14 days, with replies due within 7 days. Settlement Meeting must be held 45 days prior to Pretrial Conference. Mediation must be concluded 30 days prior to Pretrial Conference. A written status report is due within 5 days of completion of mediation. If the case is not settled, all Rule 26(a)(3) disclosures are due 30 days prior to Pretrial Conference. Motions in limine deadline - 3/6/2026. Responses for motions in limine - 3/13/2026. Proposed voir dire, jury instructions, and verdict form - 4/13/2026. Plaintiff's portion of the proposed integrated pretrial order 4/9/2026. Integrated pretrial order - 4/16/2026. Pretrial Conference/Final Settlement Conference on 4/23/2026 at 11:00 AM. Trial on 5/4/2026 at 9:00 AM before the undersigned. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 6/17/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (mfo)

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

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47

MOTION by Harry Wiley for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Second Amended Complaint, # 2 Verified Statement of Matthew Ward, # 3 Proposed Order)(Becher, J.)

1 Proposed Second Amended Complaint

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2 Verified Statement of Matthew Ward

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3 Proposed Order

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July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

48

MEMORANDUM by Harry Wiley in support of 47 MOTION by Harry Wiley for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint (Becher, J.)

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

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49

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Statement Regarding Fed.R.Civ.P. 26(a)(1) Disclosures. (Westfall, Fred)

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

50

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Harry Wiley for Rule 26(a)(1) Disclosures. (Petsonk, Samuel)

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

51

AMENDED CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Harry Wiley for Rule 26(a)(1) Disclosures. (Petsonk, Samuel)

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

52

RESPONSE by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in opposition to 47 MOTION by Harry Wiley for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint. (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Westfall, Fred)

July 23, 2025

July 23, 2025

53

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Seal Attachments A and B to Exhibit 1 of 52 Response in Opposition. (Attachment: # 1 Attachments A and B)(Westfall, Fred) (Modified on 7/24/2025 to add link to #52 response) (kew).

July 23, 2025

July 23, 2025

54

REPLY by Harry Wiley to 52 Response In Opposition. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(Pomponio, Bren)

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

55

RENEWED MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss 10 Amended Complaint. (Westfall, Fred) (Modified on 8/6/2025 to add link to #10 amended complaint) (kew).

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

56

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in support of 55 RENEWED MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss 10 Amended Complaint. (Westfall, Fred)

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

57

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Harry Wiley for Interrogatories, Requests for Production of Documents, and Requests for Admissions. (Petsonk, Samuel)

Aug. 13, 2025

Aug. 13, 2025

58

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER directing that Plaintiff's 47 MOTION for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint be GRANTED and the attached Second Amended Complaint (Document 47-1) be FILED; Defendants' 53 MOTION to Seal Attachments A and B to Exhibit 1 of 52 Response in Opposition be GRANTED; the following motions related to the 10 Amended Complaint, which is no longer the active pleading in this matter, be TERMINATED AS MOOT: Defendants' 14 MOTION to Dismiss, Defe ndants' 17 MOTION to Dismiss Demand for a Jury Trial, Plaintiff's 42 MOTION for Leave to File Sur-Reply to 41 Reply to Response, and Defendants' 43 MOTION to Allow 41 Reply to Response and 42 MOTION for Leave to File Sur-Reply to be Filed. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 8/14/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (btm)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

Clearinghouse
59

SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT without Jury Demand by Harry Wiley, Matthew Ward against Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; filed pursuant to 58 Memorandum Opinion and Order. (Attachment: # 1 Verified Statement of Matthew Ward) (btm)

1 Verified Statement of Matthew Ward

View on PACER

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

60

SEALED ATTACHMENTS A and B filed by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Exhibit 1 of 52 Response in Opposition; filed under seal pursuant to the Court's 58 Memorandum Opinion and Order. (btm)

Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

61

RESPONSE by Matthew Ward, Harry Wiley in opposition to 55 RENEWED MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss 10 Amended Complaint. (Attachment: # 1 Ex. 1)(Pomponio, Bren) (Modified on 8/20/2025 to remove link to #56 memorandum in support) (kew).

Aug. 19, 2025

Aug. 19, 2025

62

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of 55 RENEWED MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss 10 Amended Complaint. (Westfall, Fred)

Aug. 26, 2025

Aug. 26, 2025

63

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss 59 Amended Complaint. (msa) (Entered: 08/29/2025)

Aug. 28, 2025

Aug. 28, 2025

64

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Exceed Page Limit for Memorandum of Law in Support of Defendant's 63 Motion to Dismiss with proposed document attached. (Attachment: # 1 Proposed Memorandum of Law) (msa) (Entered: 08/29/2025)

Aug. 28, 2025

Aug. 28, 2025

65

ORDER granting Defendants' 64 MOTION to Exceed Page Limit; directing that the attached Memorandum of Law be filed; Plaintiffs may file a response brief of similar length if necessary. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 9/2/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (lca)

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

66

MEMORANDUM OF LAW by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in support of 63 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss re: 59 Amended Complaint; filed pursuant to the 65 Order. (lca)

Sept. 2, 2025

Sept. 2, 2025

67

NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ATTORNEY INFORMATION by Jason S. Bailey substituting within-firm representation for Fred B. Westfall, Jr. on behalf of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Bailey, Jason)

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

68

NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ATTORNEY INFORMATION by Matthew C. Lindsay substituting within-firm representation for Fred B. Westfall, Jr. on behalf of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Lindsay, Matthew)

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

69

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Protective Order (Lindsay, Matthew)

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

70

MEMORANDUM by Matthew Ward, Harry Wiley in response to 63 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Dismiss 59 Amended Complaint. (Attachments: # 1 Ex. 1, # 2 Ex. 2)(Petsonk, Samuel)

1 Ex. 1

View on RECAP

2 Ex. 2

View on RECAP

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

RECAP

Motions Referred

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

MOTION REFERRED to Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn: 69 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Protective Order. (kew)

Sept. 11, 2025

Sept. 11, 2025

71

REPLY by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to 70 Memorandum in Response. (Lindsay, Matthew)

Sept. 18, 2025

Sept. 18, 2025

RECAP
72

MEMORANDUM by Matthew Ward, Harry Wiley in opposition to 69 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Protective Order (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Pomponio, Bren)

1 Exhibit 1

View on RECAP

Sept. 25, 2025

Sept. 25, 2025

Clearinghouse
73

ORDER denying 69 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Protective Order; the Defendants are to produce the administrative record to the Plaintiffs and provide fulsome responses to written discovery requests within 10 days of the date of this Order; the parties may contest this ruling by filing objections within 14 days. Signed by Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn on 9/30/2025. (cc: counsel of record) (kew)

Sept. 30, 2025

Sept. 30, 2025

74

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Hold This Civil Matter in Abeyance Due to Lapse of Congressional Appropriations. (Lindsay, Matthew)

Oct. 1, 2025

Oct. 1, 2025

75

RESPONSE by Matthew Ward, Harry Wiley in support of 74 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Hold This Civil Matter in Abeyance Due to Lapse of Congressional Appropriations. (Pomponio, Bren)

Oct. 7, 2025

Oct. 7, 2025

76

ORDER granting Defendants' 74 MOTION to Hold This Civil Matter in Abeyance Due to Lapse of Congressional Appropriations; directing that this matter be STAYED pending a Congressional appropriation of funds; any requests to modify the existing scheduling order may be made at that time. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 10/7/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (jsa)

Oct. 7, 2025

Oct. 7, 2025

77

OBJECTIONS by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the Court's 73 Order. (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Lindsay, Matthew)

1 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

Nov. 19, 2025

Nov. 19, 2025

RECAP
78

PROPOSED ORDER Protective Order by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Harry Wiley, Matthew Ward. (Lindsay, Matthew) (Modified on 11/24/2025 to add party filers) (kew).

Nov. 21, 2025

Nov. 21, 2025

79

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Administrative Record. (Lindsay, Matthew)

Nov. 21, 2025

Nov. 21, 2025

80

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Responses and Objections to Wiley's Interrogatories, Requests for Production, and Requests for Admissions. (Lindsay, Matthew)

Nov. 21, 2025

Nov. 21, 2025

81

PROTECTIVE ORDER setting forth the terms for the handling of confidential documents. Signed by Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn on 11/24/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (cmb)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

82

RESPONSE by Matthew Ward, Harry Wiley to 77 Objections. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, part 1, # 2 Exhibit 1, part 2, # 3 Exhibit 1, part 3)(Pomponio, Bren)

1 Exhibit 1, part 1

View on PACER

2 Exhibit 1, part 2

View on PACER

3 Exhibit 1, part 3

View on PACER

Dec. 3, 2025

Dec. 3, 2025

RECAP
83

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Leave to File Reply to 82 Response in Opposition with proposed document attached (Attachment: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Lindsay, Matthew) (Modified on 12/11/2025 to add link to #82 response in opposition) (kew).

Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

84

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER granting 83 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Leave to File Reply; directing that the Reply be FILED; the 77 Objections are SUSTAINED in part; the 69 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Protective Order is GRANTED to the extent it seeks to preclude broader discovery prior to production of the administrative record and DENIED to the extent it seeks to stay production of the administrative record; Defendants are directed to produce a responsive administrative record within 10 days of entry of this Order; should the administrative record remain incomplete or non-responsive Plaintiffs are directed to file a motion s eeking additional discovery within 10 days of receipt of the administrative record; directing that the stay is lifted; the parties are directed to file a proposed revised schedule by 1/15/2026. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 12/16/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (kew)

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

RECAP
85

REPLY by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to 82 Response to Objections; filed pursuant to the 84 Memorandum Opinion and Order. (kew)

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

86

MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Extension of Time to Produce Administrative Record to 1/12/2026. (Lindsay, Matthew)

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

87

ORDER granting 86 MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Extension of Time to Produce Administrative Record to 1/12/2026; directing the defendant produce the administrative by 1/12/2026, that any motion seeking additional discovery be filed within ten (10) days of receipt of the administrative record, and that the parties file a proposed revised schedule no later than 1/26/2026. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 12/23/2025. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (cmb)

Dec. 23, 2025

Dec. 23, 2025

RECAP
88

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Supplemental Administrative Record. (jsa) (Entered: 01/13/2026)

Jan. 12, 2026

Jan. 12, 2026

89

JOINT MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Harry Wiley, Matthew Ward to Hold Case in Abeyance. (Lindsay, Matthew) (Modified on 1/27/2026 to add party filers) (kew).

Jan. 26, 2026

Jan. 26, 2026

RECAP
90

ORDER granting 89 JOINT MOTION by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Harry Wiley, Matthew Ward to Hold Case in Abeyance; directing that this matter is STAYED and removed from the Court's active docket; the parties are directed to submit a status report within 60 days from the date of entry of this Order. Signed by Judge Irene C. Berger on 1/28/2026. (cc: counsel of record; any unrepresented party) (kew)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

Case Details

State / Territory:

West Virginia

Case Type(s):

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 7, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

West Virginia coal miner

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

Federal

Department of Health and Human Services

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Other Dockets:

Southern District of West Virginia 2:25-cv-00227

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

National / Universal injunction

Preliminary relief granted

Reinstatement (job, contract, grant, etc.)

Issues

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority:

Impoundment (mandatory spending)

Recommended Citation