Bill 119 hr 2248, also known as the "Presidential Pardon Accountability Act," aims to increase transparency and accountability in the presidential pardon process. The bill requires the President to personally sign any pardon or reprieve, rather than delegating this authority to others. This change is intended to ensure that the President takes personal responsibility for pardons and reprieves, and to prevent any potential abuse of this power.
In addition to the requirement for the President's personal signature, the bill also includes provisions for reporting and oversight of the pardon process. It mandates that the Department of Justice must provide Congress with a report detailing all pardons and reprieves granted by the President, including the reasons for each decision. This reporting requirement is designed to increase transparency and allow for congressional oversight of the pardon process.
Overall, the Presidential Pardon Accountability Act seeks to strengthen the integrity of the presidential pardon process by ensuring that the President takes personal responsibility for these decisions and by providing for increased transparency and oversight.