Robert K. Dornan, U.S. Congressman v. United States Secretary of Defense
Docket: 88-5038
Court: Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit; July 19, 1988; Federal Appellate Court
Fifteen members of the House of Representatives and one Senator (appellants) appealed the dismissal of their complaint against the United States Secretary of Defense and other officials, claiming that the President's acquiescence to congressional control over foreign policy constituted an unconstitutional abdication of presidential responsibility. They sought a declaration against this alleged usurpation and an injunction against compliance with the "Boland Amendments," which restrict U.S. government assistance to Nicaraguan Contra rebels. The district court dismissed the complaint, citing issues related to standing, ripeness, and prudential concerns, which prevented a substantive ruling. In response, the appellees moved for a summary affirmation of the dismissal, referencing relevant case law that supports the dismissal of legislative actions where relief could be achieved through legislative means rather than through litigation. The Court of Appeals, emphasizing the lack of standing for individual members of Congress in this context, stated that these legislators should pursue their grievances through congressional processes. The court noted that while the "equitable discretion" standard can be complex, the case clearly did not meet the criteria necessary for judicial intervention. Consequently, the Court affirmed the district court's dismissal order without requiring further briefing.