CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Johnny Olszewski (D-MD)

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

H.J.Res. 135 · House resolution Government Operations and Politics

A Democratic resolution with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 10 cosponsors

Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

In committee

Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.

The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This joint resolution proposes a Constitutional amendment to place limits on the President's power to grant reprieves or pardons. It requires the President to notify the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate within three days of granting a pardon. This notification starts a process where Congress can attempt to nullify the pardon through a specific legislative timeline. If Congress does not pass a bill to nullify the action, the pardon becomes effective after 90 days. The amendment also prevents the President from granting a pardon for an offense that Congress has already nullified.

Yes

  • Scored +6

    Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?

    The bill mandates strict notification timelines for presidential pardons to ensure legislative awareness.

  • Scored +5

    Does this give the federal government more power?

    The bill increases the power of Congress to check and nullify the President's unilateral pardon authority.

The opposite

  • Scored -3

    Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?

    The bill limits the President's ability to grant pardons, which could restrict the relief of criminal sentences.

  • Scored -1

    Would union members be better off under this?

    The restriction on pardons may impact individuals seeking legal relief from criminal offenses related to labor actions.