Skip to content

Case Detail

[Subscribe to updates]
Case TitleCENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS v. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
DistrictDistrict of Columbia
CityWashington, DC
Case Number1:2021cv00642
Date Filed2021-03-10
Date Closed2023-08-07
JudgeJudge Beryl A. Howell
PlaintiffCENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS
Case DescriptionThe Center for Medical Progress submitted a FOIA request to the National Institute of Health for records concerning three grant applications. The agency acknowledged receipt of the request but after hearing nothing further from the agency, CMP filed suit.
Complaint issues: Failure to respond within statutory time limit, Adequacy - Search, Litigation - Vaughn index, Litigation - Attorney's fees

DefendantU.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
AppealD.C. Circuit 23-5224
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
Complaint attachment 3
Complaint attachment 4
Opinion/Order [27]
Opinion/Order [57]
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2021-03-101COMPLAINT against U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ( Filing fee $ 402 receipt number ADCDC-8294329) filed by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons for US Attorney for DC, # 3 Summons for US Attorney General, # 4 Summons for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 03/10/2021)
2021-03-102LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS (Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 03/10/2021)
2021-03-11NOTICE OF ERROR re 1 Complaint; emailed to mdiliberto@judicialwatch.org, cc'd -1 associated attorneys -- The PDF file you docketed contained errors: 1. Blank or missing coversheet. Please use the cover sheet at https://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/new-case-forms & file using the event Civil Cover Sheet., 2. Certificate of disclosure is blank (adh, ) (Entered: 03/11/2021)
2021-03-123ERRATA (Corrected Civil Cover Sheet and Corrected Certificate Rule LCvR 26.1) by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS re 1 Complaint, filed by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate Rule LCvR 26.1)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 03/12/2021)
2021-03-12Case Assigned to Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell. (adh, ) (Entered: 03/12/2021)
2021-03-124SUMMONS (3) Issued Electronically as to U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachment: # 1 Notice and Consent)(adh, ) (Entered: 03/12/2021)
2021-03-135STANDING ORDER. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on March 13, 2021. (lcbah1) (Entered: 03/13/2021)
2021-04-076RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 3/26/2021. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 4/25/2021. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of David Rothstein)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 04/07/2021)
2021-04-077RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 04/02/21. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of David Rothstein)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 04/07/2021)
2021-04-078RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES served on 4/7/2021 (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of David Rothstein)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 04/07/2021)
2021-04-269ANSWER to Complaint by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.(Tilghman, Michael) (Entered: 04/26/2021)
2021-05-1010Joint STATUS REPORT by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 05/10/2021)
2021-05-10MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DIRECTING, upon consideration of the parties' 10 Joint Status Report, the parties to submit a joint status report by July 16, 2021. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on May 10, 2021. (lcbah1) (Entered: 05/10/2021)
2021-05-10Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 7/16/2021. (ztg) (Entered: 05/10/2021)
2021-07-0811NOTICE of Appearance by Paul J. Orfanedes on behalf of CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS (Orfanedes, Paul) (Entered: 07/08/2021)
2021-07-1612Joint STATUS REPORT by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 07/16/2021)
2021-07-16MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DIRECTING, upon consideration of the parties' 12 Joint Status Report, the parties to submit a joint status report by August 16, 2021. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on July 16, 2021. (lcbah1) (Entered: 07/16/2021)
2021-07-16Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 8/16/2021. (ztg) (Entered: 07/16/2021)
2021-08-1613Joint STATUS REPORT by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Tilghman, Michael) (Entered: 08/16/2021)
2021-08-18MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DIRECTING, upon consideration of the parties' 13 Joint Status Report, the parties to submit a joint status report by October 15, 2021. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on August 18, 2021. (lcbah1) (Entered: 08/18/2021)
2021-08-19Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 10/15/2021. (ztg) (Entered: 08/19/2021)
2021-10-1514Joint STATUS REPORT by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 10/15/2021)
2021-10-18MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DIRECTING, upon consideration of the parties' 14 Joint Status Report, the parties to submit, by October 27, 2021, a joint status report advising the Court whether any disputes remain between the parties and, if so, proposing a schedule to govern further proceedings. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on October 18, 2021. (lcbah1) (Entered: 10/18/2021)
2021-10-19Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 10/27/2021. (ztg) (Entered: 10/19/2021)
2021-10-2715Joint STATUS REPORT by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 10/27/2021)
2021-10-27MINUTE ORDER (paperless) ISSUING, in light of the parties' 15 Joint Status Report, the following SCHEDULING ORDER to govern the timing of further proceedings in this matter: (1) by December 6, 2021, defendant shall file its motion for summary judgment; (2) by January 12, 2022, plaintiff shall file its cross-motion for summary judgment and its combined opposition to defendant's motion for summary judgment and memorandum in support of its cross-motion; (3) by February 14, 2022, defendant shall file its combined opposition to plaintiff's cross-motion for summary judgment and reply in support of its own motion for summary judgment; and (4) by March 11, 2022, plaintiff shall file its reply in support of its cross-motion for summary judgment. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on October 27, 2021. (lcbah1) (Entered: 10/27/2021)
2021-10-28Set/Reset Deadlines: Summary Judgment motion due by 12/6/2021; cross-motion and opposition to motion for summary judgment due by 1/12/2022; opposition to cross-motion and reply to opposition to motion for summary judgment due by 2/14/2022; reply to opposition to cross-motion due by 3/11/2022. (ztg) (Entered: 10/28/2021)
2021-12-0316Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Defendants Motion for Summary Judgment by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Tilghman, Michael) (Entered: 12/03/2021)
2021-12-06MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING, the defendant's 16 Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to File and MODIFYING the SCHEDULING ORDER as follows: (1) by December 13, 2021, defendant shall file its motion for summary judgment; (2) by January 19, 2022, plaintiff shall file its cross-motion for summary judgment and its combined opposition to defendant's motion for summary judgment and memorandum in support of its cross-motion; (3) by February 21, 2022, defendant shall file its combined opposition to plaintiff's cross-motion for summary judgment and reply in support of its own motion for summary judgment; and (4) by March 18, 2022, plaintiff shall file its reply in support of its cross-motion for summary judgment. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on December 6, 2021. (lcbah1) (Entered: 12/06/2021)
2021-12-07Set/Reset Deadlines: Summary judgment motion due by 12/13/2021; cross-motion and opposition to motion for summary judgment due by 1/19/2022; opposition to cross-motion and reply to opposition to motion for summary judgment 2/21/2022; reply to opposition to cross-motion due by 3/18/2022. (ztg) (Entered: 12/07/2021)
2021-12-1317MOTION for Summary Judgment by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Defendant's Statement of Undisputed Material Facts, # 3 Declaration of Gorka Garcia-Malene, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Tilghman, Michael) (Entered: 12/13/2021)
2022-01-1918Memorandum in opposition to re 17 MOTION for Summary Judgment (With Response to Def's Statement of Material Facts) filed by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Meredith Di Liberto, # 2 Exhibit 1 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 3 Exhibit 2 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 4 Exhibit 3 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 5 Exhibit 4 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 6 Exhibit 5 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 7 Exhibit 6 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 8 Exhibit 7 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 9 Exhibit 8 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 10 Exhibit 9 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 11 Exhibit 10 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 12 Text of Proposed Order)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 01/19/2022)
2022-01-1919Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment (with Plf's Statement of Material Facts) by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Meredith Di Liberto, # 2 Exhibit 1 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 3 Exhibit 2 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 4 Exhibit 3 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 5 Exhibit 4 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 6 Exhibit 5 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 7 Exhibit 6 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 8 Exhibit 7 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 9 Exhibit 8 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 10 Exhibit 9 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 11 Exhibit 10 to Di Liberto Declaration, # 12 Text of Proposed Order)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 01/19/2022)
2022-02-2120REPLY to opposition to motion re 17 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(Tilghman, Michael) (Entered: 02/21/2022)
2022-02-2121Memorandum in opposition to re 19 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment (with Plf's Statement of Material Facts) filed by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Defendant's Response to Plaintiff's Further Statement of Material Facts, # 6 Text of Proposed Order)(Tilghman, Michael) (Entered: 02/21/2022)
2022-03-1822REPLY to opposition to motion re 19 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment (with Plf's Statement of Material Facts) filed by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Meredith Di Liberto (Second)(w/ Exhibits 1-10))(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 03/18/2022)
2022-08-19MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DIRECTING defendant, by noon August 23, 2022, to supplement the record, by submitting (1) a Vaughn Index that reflects the justification for any withholding, with a sequentially numbered separate entry for each document withheld, in full or part, and the following information, at a minimum: (a) the document number; (b) the Bates stamp number range for the withheld document or portion of document, or, if no Bates stamp is available, the CM/ECF document number and page number range stamped on any previously submitted document; (c) the document description, including type of document (e.g., email, email attachment, or document), date and title, if applicable; (d) the author(s); (e) the recipient(s); (f) whether document withheld in full or part; (g) the statutory authority for the withholding; and (h) the reason the exemption applies to the document; (2) clarification of whether defendant is conceding summary judgment to plaintiff for withholdings made, in whole or in part, pursuant to Exemption 5, given defendant's failure to address in any declaration or briefing such withholdings, see Pl.'s Mem. Supp. Cross-Mot. Summ. J. & Opp'n Def.'s Mot. Summ. J. ("Pl.'s Opp'n") at 4 n.3, ECF No. 19; and (3) clarification of defendant's position whether the public domain doctrine precludes withholdings under Exemption 4 or Exemption 6 for each item plaintiff identifies as being publicly available, see Pl.'s Reply Supp. Cross-Mot. Summ. J. at 2-5, 7-8, 10, ECF No. 22. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on August 19, 2022. (lcbah1) (Entered: 08/19/2022)
2022-08-22Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's supplement due by 8/23/2022. (hmc) (Entered: 08/22/2022)
2022-08-2323NOTICE of Defendant's Supplement to the Record by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES re Order,,,,,, (Attachments: # 1 Vaughn Index, # 2 Third Declaration of Gorka Garcia-Malene)(Tilghman, Michael) (Entered: 08/23/2022)
2022-08-2324MOTION for Extension of Time to to Supplement the Record Nunc Pro Tunc by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Tilghman, Michael) (Entered: 08/23/2022)
2022-08-23MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DIRECTING, in light of the concessions made by defendant in the 23 Notice of Defendant's Supplement to the Record and its plan to release a revised production to plaintiff, defendant to produce, by 5pm on August 26, 2022, an accurate and precise Vaughn Index that reflects for each withholding (1) the category of withheld information to which it belongs, e.g., category one: salary information pertaining to University of Pittsburgh staff, and (2) whether the information is no longer withheld because it has been released in a revised production and the reason for its release. Defendant's submission of a Vaughn Index that fails to identify withholdings that are no longer applicable and that fails to identify which withholding corresponds to its own identified categories places a significant burden on the Court to search through all of the entries in the 68-page Index to identify the withholdings that are no longer in dispute and frustrates the Court's efforts to make definitive rulings on disputed categories of withheld information. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on August 23, 2022. (lcbah1) (Entered: 08/23/2022)
2022-08-24MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING defendant's 24 Motion for Extension of Time to Supplement the Record and EXTENDING the deadline for defendant to file the supplement requested by the Court's August 19, 2022 Order to 12:15 pm, August 23, 2022. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on August 24, 2022. (lcbah1) (Entered: 08/24/2022)
2022-08-24Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's Vaughn Index due by 5 pm on 8/26/2022. (hmc) (Entered: 08/24/2022)
2022-08-2625NOTICE of Defendant's Filing of Revised Vaughn Index by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (Attachments: # 1 Revised Vaughn Index)(Tilghman, Michael) (Entered: 08/26/2022)
2022-09-0326ORDER GRANTING IN PART and DENYING IN PART defendant's 17 Motion for Summary Judgment; and DENYING plaintiff's 19 Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment. See Order for further details. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on September 3, 2022. (lcbah1) (Entered: 09/03/2022)
2022-09-0327MEMORANDUM OPINION regarding defendant's 17 Motion for Summary Judgment and plaintiff's 19 Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on September 3, 2022. (lcbah1) (Entered: 09/03/2022)
2022-09-06Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Status Report due by 9/15/2022. (ztg) (Entered: 09/06/2022)
2022-09-1328NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL by John Moustakas on behalf of U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Substituting for attorney Tilghman (Moustakas, John) (Entered: 09/13/2022)
2022-09-1529STATUS REPORT (Plaintiff's Status Report) by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 09/15/2022)
2022-09-17MINUTE ORDER (paperless) ISSUING, in light of plaintiff's 29 Status Report, the following SCHEDULING ORDER to govern the timing of further proceedings in this matter: (1) by November 14, 2022, plaintiff shall file its motion for summary judgment; (2) by December 12, 2022, defendant shall file its cross-motion for summary judgment and its combined opposition to plaintiff's motion for summary judgment and memorandum in support of its cross-motion; (3) by January 9, 2023, plaintiff shall file its combined opposition to defendant's cross-motion for summary judgment and reply in support of its own cross motion for summary judgment; and (4) by January 30, 2023, defendant shall file its reply in support of its cross-motion for summary judgment. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on September 17, 2022. (lcbah1) Modified to correct date on 9/19/2022 (ztg). (Entered: 09/17/2022)
2022-09-19Set/Reset Deadlines: Summary Judgment motion due by 11/14/2022; cross-motion and opposition to motion for summary judgment due by 12/12/2022; opposition to cross-motion and reply to opposition to motion for summary judgment due by 1/9/2023; reply to opposition to cross-motion due by 1/30/2023.(ztg) (Entered: 09/19/2022)
2022-09-2930MOTION to Alter Judgment as to 26 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,, 27 Memorandum & Opinion , MOTION to Amend/Correct 26 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,, 27 Memorandum & Opinion , MOTION for Reconsideration re 26 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,, 27 Memorandum & Opinion by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 09/29/2022)
2022-10-03MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DIRECTING defendant, by October 11, 2022, to file any response to plaintiff's 30 Motion to Alter or Amend, and plaintiff, by October 18, 2022, to file any reply in support of its motion. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on October 3, 2022. (lcbah1) (Entered: 10/03/2022)
2022-10-03Set/Reset Deadlines: Response to 30 Motion to Alter or Amend due by 10/11/2022; reply due by 10/18/2022. (ztg) (Entered: 10/03/2022)
2022-10-1231Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply to Motion to Alter or Amend by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Moustakas, John) (Entered: 10/12/2022)
2022-10-12MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING defendant's 31 Consent Motion for Extension of Time to File Response, and DIRECTING defendant, by October 18, 2022, to file any response to plaintiff's 30 Motion to Alter or Amend, and plaintiff, by October 25, 2022, to file any reply in support of its motion. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on October 12, 2022. (lcbah1) (Entered: 10/12/2022)
2022-10-13Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's response, if any, to plaintiff's 30 Motion to Alter or Amend due by 10/18/2022; plaintiff's reply, if any, due by 10/25/2022. (ztg) (Entered: 10/13/2022)
2022-10-1932Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Moustakas, John) (Entered: 10/19/2022)
2022-10-20MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING defendant's 32 Consent Motion for Extension of Time to File Response, and DIRECTING defendant, by October 28, 2022, to file any response to plaintiff's 30 Motion to Alter or Amend, and plaintiff, by November 4, 2022, to file any reply in support of its motion. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on October 20, 2022. (lcbah1) (Entered: 10/20/2022)
2022-10-20Set/Reset Deadlines: Response to 30 Motion to Alter or Amend due by 10/28/2022; reply due by 11/4/2022. (ztg) (Entered: 10/20/2022)
2022-10-2833Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply Motion to Alter or Amend by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Moustakas, John) (Entered: 10/28/2022)
2022-10-28MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING defendant's 33 Consent Motion for Extension of Time to File Response, and DIRECTING defendant, by November 7, 2022, to file any response to plaintiff's 30 Motion to Alter or Amend, and plaintiff, by November 14, 2022, to file any reply in support of its motion. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on October 28, 2022. (lcbah1) (Entered: 10/28/2022)
2022-10-31Set/Reset Deadlines: Response to 30 Motion to Alter or Amend due by 11/7/2022, reply due by 11/14/2022. (ztg) (Entered: 10/31/2022)
2022-11-0434Memorandum in opposition to re 30 MOTION to Alter Judgment as to 26 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,, 27 Memorandum & Opinion MOTION to Amend/Correct 26 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,, 27 Memorandum & Opinion MOTION for Reconsideration re 26 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,, 27 Memorandum & Opinion filed by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Fourth Declaration of Gorka Garcia-Malene)(Moustakas, John) Modified docket event/text on 11/7/2022 (zed). (Entered: 11/04/2022)
2022-11-1435MOTION for Summary Judgment by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Facts (Plaintiff's Statement of Undisputed Material Facts), # 2 Declaration of Meredith Di Liberto (Third) with Exhibits 1-6, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 11/14/2022)
2022-11-1436REPLY to opposition to motion re 30 MOTION to Alter Judgment as to 26 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,, 27 Memorandum & Opinion MOTION to Amend/Correct 26 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,, 27 Memorandum & Opinion MOTION for Reconsideration re 26 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment,,, 27 Memorandum & Opinion filed by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 11/14/2022)
2022-11-1637MEMORANDUM AND ORDER DENYING plaintiff's 30 Motion for Reconsideration. See Order for further details. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on November 16, 2022. (lcbah1) (Entered: 11/16/2022)
2022-12-1238MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Moustakas, John) (Entered: 12/12/2022)
2022-12-13MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING defendant's 38 Motion for Extension of Time to File Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment, and MODIFYING the scheduling order issued September 17, 2022, as follows: (1) by January 26, 2023 defendant shall file its cross-motion for summary judgment and its combined opposition to plaintiff's 35 Motion for Summary Judgment and memorandum in support of its cross-motion; (2) by February 23, 2023, plaintiff shall file its combined opposition to defendant's cross-motion for summary judgment and reply in support of its own 35 Motion for Summary Judgment; and (3) by March 16, 2023, defendant shall file its reply in support of its cross-motion for summary judgment. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on December 13, 2022. (lcbah1) Modified on 12/14/2022 to edit numbering (hmc). (Entered: 12/13/2022)
2022-12-14Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's cross-motion and combined opposition to plaintiff's motion for summary judgment due by 1/26/2023. Plaintiff's combined opposition to defendant's cross-motion for summary judgment and reply in support of its own motion for summary judgment due by 2/23/2023. Defendant's reply in support of its cross-motion for summary judgment due by 3/16/2023. (hmc) (Entered: 12/14/2022)
2023-02-0239MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply , MOTION for Extension of Time to File by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Moustakas, John) (Entered: 02/02/2023)
2023-02-0340RESPONSE re 39 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply MOTION for Extension of Time to File filed by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 02/03/2023)
2023-02-03MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING, nunc pro tunc , defendant's 39 Motion for Extension of Time to File Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment, and MODIFYING the scheduling order issued September 17, 2022 and previously modified on December 13, 2022, as follows: (1) by February 13, 2023 defendant shall file its cross-motion for summary judgment and its combined opposition to plaintiff's 35 Motion for Summary Judgment and memorandum in support of its cross-motion; (2) by March 6, 2023, plaintiff shall file its combined opposition to defendant's cross-motion for summary judgment and reply in support of its own 35 Motion for Summary Judgment; and (3) by March 27, 2023, defendant shall file its reply in support of its cross-motion for summary judgment. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on February 2, 2023. (lcbah1) (Entered: 02/03/2023)
2023-02-03Set/Reset Deadlines: Cross-motion and opposition to motion for summary judgment due by 2/13/2023; opposition to cross-motion and reply to opposition to motion for summary judgment due by 3/6/2023; reply to opposition to cross-motion due by 3/27/2023. (ztg) (Entered: 02/03/2023)
2023-02-1341MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Moustakas, John) (Entered: 02/14/2023)
2023-02-14MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING defendant's 41 Motion for Extension of time to File Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment, and MODIFYING the scheduling order issued September 17, 2022 and previously modified on December 13, 2022 and February 3, 2023, as follows: (1) by February 14, 2023 defendant shall file its cross-motion for summary judgment and its combined opposition to plaintiff's 35 Motion for Summary Judgment and memorandum in support of its cross-motion; (2) by March 7, 2023, plaintiff shall file its combined opposition to defendant's cross-motion for summary judgment and reply in support of its own 35 Motion for Summary Judgment; and (3) by March 28, 2023, defendant shall file its reply in support of its cross-motion for summary judgment. Signed by Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell on February 14, 2023. (lcbah1) (Entered: 02/14/2023)
2023-02-1442Memorandum in opposition to re 41 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply filed by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Fifth NIH Decl and Ex A, Ex B)(Moustakas, John) (Entered: 02/14/2023)
2023-02-1443MOTION for Summary Judgment Cross Motion and Opposition by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Fifth NIH Decl, Ex A, Ex. B (Vaugh Index))(Moustakas, John) (Entered: 02/14/2023)
2023-02-1544Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment and Cross Motion (inclg Order, Response to Statement of Facts by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Fifth NIH Declaration, Ex A, Ex B)(Moustakas, John) (Entered: 02/15/2023)
2023-02-15Set/Reset Deadlines: Plaintiff's combined opposition to defendant's cross-motion for summary judgment and reply in support of its own 35 Motion for Summary Judgment due by 3/7/2023; defendant's reply in support of its cross-motion for summary judgment due by 3/28/2023. (ztg) (Entered: 02/15/2023)
2023-02-1545Memorandum in opposition to re 43 Motion for Summary Judgment filed by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (See Docket Entry 44 to view document). (zed) (Entered: 02/21/2023)
2023-03-0746REPLY to opposition to motion re 35 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Plaintiff's Reply in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment) filed by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Meredith Di Liberto (with Exhibits 1-4))(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 03/07/2023)
2023-03-0747Memorandum in opposition to re 44 Motion for Summary Judgment (Plaintiff's Opposition to Defendant's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment) filed by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Meredith Di Liberto (with Exhibits 1-4), # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 03/07/2023)
2023-03-2748Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 44 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment and Cross Motion (inclg Order, Response to Statement of Facts (NB: Partial Consent Motion) by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Moustakas, John) (Entered: 03/27/2023)
2023-03-2849Memorandum in opposition to re 48 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply, filed by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 03/28/2023)
2023-03-28MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING defendant's 48 Motion for Extension of Time and DIRECTING defendant to file its reply in support of its 44 Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment by April 27, 2023. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on March 28, 2023. (lcbah1) (Entered: 03/28/2023)
2023-03-29Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's reply in support of its 44 Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment due by 4/27/2023. (ztg) (Entered: 03/29/2023)
2023-04-2750Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Moustakas, John) (Entered: 04/27/2023)
2023-05-02MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING defendant's 50 Motion for Extension of Time and DIRECTING defendant to file its reply in support of its 44 Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment by May 31, 2023. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on May 2, 2023. (lcbah1) Modified to correct typo on 5/2/2023 (ztg). (Entered: 05/02/2023)
2023-05-02Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's reply in support of its 44 Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment due by 5/31/2023. (ztg) (Entered: 05/02/2023)
2023-05-3051MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply in Support of Defendant's Cross Motion for (Renewed) Summary Judgment by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Moustakas, John) (Entered: 05/30/2023)
2023-05-3152Memorandum in opposition to re 51 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply filed by CENTER FOR MEDICAL PROGRESS. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Di Liberto, Meredith) (Entered: 05/31/2023)
2023-05-31MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING defendant's 51 Motion for Extension of Time and DIRECTING defendant to file its reply in support of its 44 Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment by June 7, 2023. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on May 31, 2023. (lcbah1) (Entered: 05/31/2023)
2023-06-01Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendant's reply in support of its 44 Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment due by 6/7/2023. (ztg) (Entered: 06/01/2023)
2023-06-0753REPLY to opposition to motion re 43 MOTION for Summary Judgment Cross Motion and Opposition filed by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Moustakas, John) (Entered: 06/08/2023)
2023-06-0854SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Moustakas, John) (Entered: 06/08/2023)
2023-06-1055ERRATA by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES re 53 Reply to opposition to Motion. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit)(Moustakas, John) (Entered: 06/10/2023)
2023-06-15MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING the government's 54 unopposed Motion to Seal ("Gov't's Mot."), pursuant to the factors identified in United States v. Hubbard , 650 F.2d 293 (D.C. Cir. 1980) see also Metlife, Inc. v. Fin. Stability Oversight Council , 865 F.3d 661, 665 (D.C. Cir. 2017) (listing the Hubbard factors as follows: (1) the need for public access to the documents at issue; (2) the extent of previous public access to the documents; (3) the fact that someone has objected to disclosure, and the identity of that person; (4) the strength of any property and privacy interests asserted; (5) the possibility of prejudice to those opposing disclosure; and (6) the purposes for which the documents were introduced during the judicial proceedings.). The exhibit that the government seeks to file under seal contains "the names, addresses, titles, and other identifying information for persons and locations associated with fetal tissue research," and it asserts that their identities must be protected "to guard against 'fetal tissue-related violence and harassment.'" Gov't's Mot. at 2 (quoting 27 Sept. 3, 2022 Memorandum Opinion ("Sept. 3 Mem. Op.") at 32). As previously explained in the Sept. 3 Mem. Op., the "names, job titles, location of tissue procurement sites, and other identifying information of University of Pittsburgh employees" were properly withheld under FOIA exemption 6 because defendant "established a substantial privacy interest in the withheld information due to the justified and articulable risk of harassment and violence that University of Pittsburgh employees, third-party supporters, and clients." Sept. 3 Mem. Op. at 30, 34. For the same reasons, Hubbard factors 4 and 5 weigh strongly against disclosure. Additionally, Hubbard factors 1, 2, and 3 weigh against disclosure because the public has a de minimis need to the private information of these persons and locations associated with fetal tissue research, the public otherwise lacks access to this information, and the government has objected to its disclosure. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 15, 2023. (lcbah4) (Entered: 06/15/2023)
2023-08-0756ORDER DENYING plaintiff's 35 Motion for Summary Judgment and GRANTING defendant's 43 44 Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment. See Order for further details. The Clerk of the Court is directed to close this case. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on August 7, 2023. (lcbah2) (Entered: 08/07/2023)
2023-08-0757MEMORANDUM OPINION regarding plaintiff's 35 Motion for Summary Judgment and defendant's 43 44 Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on August 7, 2023. (lcbah2) (Entered: 08/07/2023)
Hide Docket Events
by FOIA Project Staff
Skip to toolbar