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Association of American Medical Colleges v. National Institutes of Health (Res Grants MA Dist)

No. 1:25-cv-10340 District · Decided Decided
Circuit

Case Overview

A coalition of state attorneys general sued the National Institute of Health, the acting NIH Director, HHS, and the acting HHS secretary over the Trump administration's new 14% cap on overhead for federal research grants, alleging that it violates the Administrative Procedures Act. This case was consolidated with similar cases brought by the Association of American Medical Colleges and Association of American Universities.


The Application

History

The plaintiffs argue that the NIH's implementation of the 14% overhead cap either violated APA procedural requirements or constitutes arbitrary and capricious agency action that impairs academic research institutions' ability to conduct federally funded research.

The Conclusion

The case was decided by Judge Angel Kelley in Massachusetts District Court; the specific ruling outcome is not provided in the available summary.

CourtDistrict Court, D. Massachusetts
FiledFeb 10, 2025
Judge Angel Kelley 46
CL Statusterminated
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No circuit court data for this case.

No Supreme Court data for this case.

Outcome History (5)

  1. Feb 10, 2025 District
    TRO granted Full relief

    Temporary Restraining Order granted.

  2. Feb 21, 2025 District
    TRO granted Full relief

    Existing Temporary Restraining Order extended.

  3. Mar 5, 2025 District
    Preliminary injunction granted Full relief

    Preliminary Injunction granted, enjoining Defendants from implementing certain guidance.

  4. Apr 4, 2025 District
    Preliminary injunction granted Full relief Final

    Permanent Injunction granted and Final Judgment entered, converting Preliminary Injunction into Permanent Injunction.

  5. Jan 5, 2026 Circuit
    Affirmed Relief denied Final

    Appellate judgment affirming the district court's decision.

Federal Court TMR-3a9d0429 Research Grant Cap May 14, 2026

Case Analysis

Issue

Whether the Trump administration's 14% cap on overhead costs for federal research grants violates the Administrative Procedures Act.

Rule

Under the APA, agency actions must follow proper notice-and-comment procedures or qualify as informal guidance, and are subject to judicial review for arbitrary and capricious action.

Analysis

The plaintiffs argue that the NIH's implementation of the 14% overhead cap either violated APA procedural requirements or constitutes arbitrary and capricious agency action that impairs academic research institutions' ability to conduct federally funded research.

Conclusion

The case was decided by Judge Angel Kelley in Massachusetts District Court; the specific ruling outcome is not provided in the available summary.

Overview

A coalition of state attorneys general sued the National Institute of Health, the acting NIH Director, HHS, and the acting HHS secretary over the Trump administration's new 14% cap on overhead for federal research grants, alleging that it violates the Administrative Procedures Act. This case was consolidated with similar cases brought by the Association of American Medical Colleges and Association of American Universities.

Overview

The government appealed Judge Page Kelley's permanent injunction which prevents the government from implementing the research grant cap.

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