National Endowment for Democracy Sues to Unfreeze $167 Million

The National Endowment for Democracy said Wednesday the US Treasury Department is illegally locking it out of $167 million in grant funding due to the Trump administration’s efforts to cut spending.

The non-governmental organization alleges the “unlawful impoundment” of congressionally appropriated funds violates the Administrative Procedure Act, the Mandamus Act, and the US Constitution. The group wants the US District Court for the District of Columbia to order the release of its funds, declare the impoundment unlawful, and enjoin the government from further withholdings.

“For the last month, the executive branch has denied the endowment access to its congressionally appropriated ...