Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States limiting the pardon power of the President.

2/3/2025, 4:22 PM

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment limiting the pardon power of the President.

The amendment prohibits the President from granting a pardon or reprieve to himself or herself, to relatives or members of the administration, to paid campaign employees, to a person or entity for an offense motivated by an interest of any of those people, or to a person or entity for an offense directed by or coordinated with the President.

The amendment also invalidates pardons issued for a corrupt purpose.

Bill 119 HJRes 13 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would limit the pardon power of the President. The amendment would restrict the President's ability to pardon individuals who have been convicted of federal crimes. This amendment aims to prevent potential abuse of the pardon power by the President and ensure that pardons are granted fairly and in the best interest of justice.

The bill has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some arguing that it is necessary to prevent the President from pardoning individuals for political reasons or to protect themselves or their associates. Others have raised concerns about the potential impact of limiting the President's pardon power on the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government.

If passed, this amendment would require ratification by three-fourths of the states to become part of the Constitution. Supporters of the bill believe that it is a necessary step to ensure accountability and prevent abuse of power by the President. Critics argue that it could infringe on the President's constitutional authority and disrupt the system of checks and balances established by the founding fathers. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress, and its fate remains uncertain.
Congress
119

Number
HJRES - 13

Introduced on
2025-01-09

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/9/2025

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment limiting the pardon power of the President.

The amendment prohibits the President from granting a pardon or reprieve to himself or herself, to relatives or members of the administration, to paid campaign employees, to a person or entity for an offense motivated by an interest of any of those people, or to a person or entity for an offense directed by or coordinated with the President.

The amendment also invalidates pardons issued for a corrupt purpose.

Bill 119 HJRes 13 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would limit the pardon power of the President. The amendment would restrict the President's ability to pardon individuals who have been convicted of federal crimes. This amendment aims to prevent potential abuse of the pardon power by the President and ensure that pardons are granted fairly and in the best interest of justice.

The bill has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some arguing that it is necessary to prevent the President from pardoning individuals for political reasons or to protect themselves or their associates. Others have raised concerns about the potential impact of limiting the President's pardon power on the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government.

If passed, this amendment would require ratification by three-fourths of the states to become part of the Constitution. Supporters of the bill believe that it is a necessary step to ensure accountability and prevent abuse of power by the President. Critics argue that it could infringe on the President's constitutional authority and disrupt the system of checks and balances established by the founding fathers. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress, and its fate remains uncertain.

Policy Areas
Crime and Law Enforcement

Potential Impact
Constitution and constitutional amendments
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Family relationships
Federal officials
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents

Comments

APPROVED
Sterling Wilkerson
@potato_bread_raisin_balvenie32390
I think this bill is a step in the right direction for our country.

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/3/2025

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment limiting the pardon power of the President.

The amendment prohibits the President from granting a pardon or reprieve to himself or herself, to relatives or members of the administrati...


Latest Action1/9/2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.