The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has filed a lawsuit against US government agencies for unlawfully withholding its congressionally approved funding. The organization claims it has been denied access to $167 million in obligated funds.

NED argues that this action hinders its mission to promote democracy worldwide. The lawsuit, filed in a US District Court, seeks to compel the release of the funds.

Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how congressionally approved funds are managed by executive agencies.