Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the 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
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act of 2026 seeks to increase oversight regarding certain presidential pardons. It requires the Department of Justice Inspector General to investigate pardons issued for specific "covered offenses." The bill also mandates that the Attorney General and the President submit relevant materials to both the Inspector General and congressional committees. Additionally, it clarifies bribery laws to include pardons and commutations. The Act expressly prohibits a President from issuing a self-pardon. Finally, it establishes financial disclosure requirements for individuals receiving pardons who have provided gifts to the President.
Yes
- Scored +8
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill significantly increases transparency through mandatory investigations and public disclosure of financial ties related to pardons.
- Scored +5
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill increases federal oversight and investigation mandates regarding presidential pardons.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -3
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The bill imposes new financial disclosure requirements for pardon recipients who have provided gifts to the President.
- Scored -2
Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this?
High net worth individuals receiving pardons may face new financial disclosure requirements regarding gifts to the President.
- Scored -2
Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this?
High net worth individuals receiving pardons may face new financial disclosure requirements regarding gifts to the President.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency of the Pardon Process: The bill requires the Attorney General and the President to turn over all materials related to a pardon to the Inspector General and congressional committees (Section 3 and Section 4). This could provide the public and oversight bodies with a clearer view of how pardons are granted.
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Prevention of Self-Pardons: The Act states that a President's attempt to pardon themselves is void and does not grant legal immunity from investigation or prosecution (Section 6). This ensures that a President cannot use the pardon power to protect themselves from legal consequences.
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Clarity on Bribery Laws: The bill amends existing law to explicitly include the granting of pardons, commutations, or reprieves within bribery prohibitions (Section 5). This clarifies that these actions can be subject to bribery laws.
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Public Accountability for Financial Ties: Individuals receiving a pardon must submit financial disclosure reports if they have given gifts to the President (Section 7). Because these reports are published in a searchable format on the Office of Government Ethics website, it allows the public to see potential connections between gifts and pardons (Section 7).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Reporting Burdens for Pardon Recipients: Individuals receiving a pardon may face new administrative requirements to file financial disclosure reports through an online portal if they have provided gifts to the President (Section 7).
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Broad Scope of "Covered Offenses": The investigation requirements apply to a wide range of people, including the President, relatives of the President, political appointees, and former Presidents (Section 2). This broad definition subjects many high-level individuals and their associates to mandatory investigations by the Inspector General upon the granting of a pardon.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill significantly increases transparency through mandatory investigations and public disclosure of financial ties related to pardons. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases federal oversight and investigation mandates regarding presidential pardons. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill imposes new financial disclosure requirements for pardon recipients who have provided gifts to the President.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would billionaires be better off under this? — High net worth individuals receiving pardons may face new financial disclosure requirements regarding gifts to the President. Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this? — High net worth individuals receiving pardons may face new financial disclosure requirements regarding gifts to the President. Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this? — High net worth individuals receiving pardons may face new financial disclosure requirements regarding gifts to the President.
- 8/5/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California