Update, On The "Rolling Compliance", With FOIA Requests, Regarding DOGE Actions This Spring, At Health And Human Services Dept...

This morning, HHS folks / DOGE folks(?) provided an update on the processing of FOIA orders, from the DC District -- all as previously ordered (the case is numbered 25-cv-463, in the USDC for the District of Columbia).

You'll recall that Musk said DOGE did not have to comply with FOIA requests, since it was no part of the government. "Poppycock!" said the Court. These status report orders resulted -- next one due within 60 more days:

. . .Pursuant to the Court’s May 7, 2025, Minute Order, Plaintiff, Public Health Reform Alliance, and Defendant, the Department of Health and Human Services (“the Department” or “HHS”), respectfully submit the following joint status report.

This is an action under the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) pertaining to four FOIA requests:

➣ One FOIA request submitted to HHS on August 12, 2024 (FOIA Request No. 2024-01863-FOIA-OS). Compl. (ECF No. 1) ¶ 6;

➣ Two FOIA requests submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) on August 12, 2024 (FOIA Request Nos. 081220247007 and 081220247005). Id. ¶¶ 10, 12; and

➣ One FOIA request submitted to CMS on September 4, 2024 (FOIA Request No. 090420247068). Id. ¶ 16. . . .

As discussed previously, HHS is running a supplemental search with respect to FOIA Request No. 2024-01863-FOIA-OS. The parties conferred regarding the scope of this FOIA request and agreed on terms to be used in the supplemental search. The Department is not yet able to provide estimates as to the number of potentially responsive pages, because its searches remain ongoing; however, the Department will begin to process pages it has identified thus far and anticipates issuing its first production of any responsive, non-exempt records by August 31, 2025. . . .

The level of taxpayer funded WASTE engendered -- waste, of time, materials, personnel -- and thus, talent -- driven by Musk's purported "efficiency" blitz. . . is simply staggering. And now it will all lead to staggering national debt levels (through all-new tax cuts for billionaires). Damnation.

नमस्ते