Nat'l Sec. Counselors v. CIA, No. 11-444, 2017 WL 3610498 (D.D.C. Aug. 21, 2017) (Howell, J.)

Nat'l Sec. Counselors v. CIA, No. 11-444, 2017 WL 3610498 (D.D.C. Aug. 21, 2017) (Howell, J.)

Re:  Plaintiff's multiple FOIA requests, specifically including certain records concerning CIA in-house journal and certain records concerning CIA FOIA processing

Disposition:  Denying plaintiff's renewed motion to consolidate cases

• Litigation Considerations:  "[T]he Court is not persuaded to alter its prior decision denying consolidation of [two cases], and the plaintiff's renewed motion for consolidation of these two cases is therefore denied."  "The similar procedural posture in which each case now stands and the fact that this Court has found that the issues raised in the two cases may be efficiently resolved in consolidated opinions make this a close issue."  "Indeed, given the similarity in arguments made by the plaintiff and the defendants in connection with the pending fee petitions in both cases, regarding the applicable rate and the criticisms of, inter alia, the plaintiff's eligibility and billing practices, another consolidated opinion addressing these petitions may be warranted."  "Nevertheless, the differences in parties and specific FOIA request issues related to individual agency defendants continue to weigh more heavily against consolidation."