Bowsher v. Synar

In 1985, Congress passed the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act to cut the federal budget deficit, authorizing the Comptroller General to recommend mandatory budget cuts that the President would then execute if the actual deficit exceeded a set threshold. Congress, however, retained the power to remove the Comptroller General for "inefficiency," "neglect of duty," or "malfeasance" — broad, discretionary grounds short of impeachment. Congressman Synar (plaintiff) sued Comptroller General Bowsher (defendant) in federal district court, arguing the Act violated separation of powers; the district court agreed and struck down the Act, and Bowsher appealed.