Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Federal Litigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Washington attorney general says office filed 52 suits in 52 weeks, credits litigation with preserving billions
Summary
At a leadership media availability, the Washington attorney general outlined a first-year record of litigation against the federal administration, saying the office filed 52 lawsuits in 52 weeks and helped preserve about $15 billion for state programs; the attorney general also previewed legislative priorities and investigative tools.
The Washington attorney general on Monday reviewed the office's first year, saying it filed 52 lawsuits in 52 weeks challenging federal actions it considers unlawful and that litigation helped protect roughly $15,000,000,000 in funding for state programs.
"We're one year into addressing the impacts from the Trump administration," the attorney general said, describing legal action aimed at what the office views as federal overreach and "elements of fascism" in national governance. The attorney general said the office uses three factors to decide whether to sue: whether an action is unlawful or unconstitutional, whether it impacts Washington, and whether the state needs to be a party to defend its rights.
The office listed program areas it said were preserved by litigation, including public safety, transportation, nutrition services, health care, job training, small business support and climate resilience. The attorney general said the office had saved 12 health programs and protected federally funded mobile clinics and services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The attorney general framed the litigation as part of a broader mandate to protect civil rights, consumer protections and state programs. "My obligation as the attorney general is to be an advocate for the rule of law and for the Washington state and U.S. constitutions," the attorney general said.
Reporters asked for documentation and the attorney general pointed to the office's public website, which the office says links to federal cases and court documents. The attorney general said most cases remain active and that the office has succeeded at the district court level in many matters and is pursuing appeals where appropriate.
The attorney general's remarks were part statement of accomplishments and part argument for continued legal engagement with federal actions. The office emphasized that litigation decisions rest on legal criteria rather than a quota and said many of the suits respond to policy decisions that the office believes would harm Washington residents.
The media availability closed with questions about ongoing investigations, proposed bills and other legal matters; the attorney general repeatedly emphasized defending state law when it is challenged in federal court as the primary duty of the office.
