The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is taking the U.S. government to court over a significant funding issue. The nonprofit organization, which has enjoyed bipartisan support for its efforts to promote democracy worldwide, is suing for the release of $239 million that Congress appropriated but has not been disbursed.
NED’s board, which includes both current and former lawmakers from both parties, made the decision to file the lawsuit on Wednesday. They claim that the State Department has not responded to their requests to resume the flow of funds, forcing them to take this drastic step.
The lawsuit, filed in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia, argues that the funds in question are not classified as foreign aid. Therefore, they should not be under the control of the State Department or any other executive agency. The board members assert that withholding this funding is illegal.
Peter Roskam, a former Republican congressman from Illinois who leads NED, stated that the board voted to pursue legal action after exhausting other options. The organization has been severely impacted by the funding freeze, with about 75 percent of its staff placed on unpaid leave and around 1,800 grant projects stalled since late January. This situation arose after an executive order from former President Trump halted all foreign aid.
NED is not only seeking the release of the withheld funds but is also asking the court to ensure that no future appropriated funds are withheld by the government. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the organization and its mission to support democracy around the globe.