A Republican lawmaker has broken ranks to support a Democratic effort aimed at curbing the president's sweeping power to pardon, signalling a rare moment of bipartisan concern over presidential clemency.
Rep. Don Bacon, a moderate Republican from Nebraska, announced on Monday that he is backing a bill designed to tighten oversight of presidential pardons. This bill, the Pardon Integrity Act, was introduced by Democrat Johnny Olszewski last December. Bacon's support marks the first time a GOP member has openly endorsed legislation to limit the pardon power, which is enshrined in the US Constitution.
'Across multiple administrations, we've seen legitimate questions raised about how this authority has been used at the same time, the ability of Congress to provide oversight has weakened,'Bacon said in a statement.
'Frankly, it is clear to me the pardon authority has been abused.' His words echo a growing concern about how presidents have wielded this constitutional power, especially in recent years.
Rep. Don Bacon becomes the first Republican co-sponsor of a Dem-led constitutional amendment to give Congress the power to reject presidential pardons:pic.twitter.com/GPZYNbjuzH
Bacon expressed his support for the bill's goal to create a 'commonsense guardrail.' The legislation aims to introduce a formal process for congressional oversight, allowing members to challenge controversial pardons. It would require the president to notify Congress within three days of issuing a pardon.
If at least 20 House members and five senators believe a pardon is questionable, they can trigger a review. Congress would then have 60 days to hold a vote. To overturn a pardon, both chambers would need a two-thirds majority.
The proposal comes amid heightened scrutiny of President Donald Trump's extensive use of the pardon power. During his first 13 months in the second term,Trump pardoned over 1,600 individuals. His predecessor, Joe Biden, granted just 80 pardons during his entire presidency, making Trump's pardons notably more prolific.
Trump's pardons have stirred controversy. He notably pardoned more than 1,500 individuals involved in theJanuary 6 Capitol riot, including those convicted of assaulting police officers. And many of the riotershave criminal records, includingchild molestation.
Critics argue these actions undermine accountability and send a troubling message about justice.
Source: International Business Times UK
