Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HJR13

Introduced
1/9/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HJR13 would fundamentally alter the framework of presidential powers as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, which has long provided a broad authority for Presidents to grant pardons and reprieves. The changes would infuse greater oversight and limitations on how these powers can be exercised, particularly relating to self-interest and potential conflicts of interest. This could lead to a significant precedent in maintaining ethical standards within the executive branch and enhancing governmental accountability.

Summary

HJR13 is a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at limiting the pardon power of the President of the United States. Specifically, the resolution stipulates that the President cannot grant pardons to themselves, their family members (up to a third-degree relation), current or former members of the administration, campaign employees, or individuals whose offenses were influenced by personal interests. This amendment seeks to establish stricter controls to prevent abuses of power associated with the presidential pardon authority.

Contention

The proposal has stirred debate and concern in political and legal circles. Advocates argue that limiting the pardon power is a necessary measure to ensure accountability and prevent potential corruption, particularly in the context of high-profile cases. Detractors, however, may argue that such limitations could undermine the President's ability to offer clemency, potentially affecting their capacity to respond flexibly to instances of injustice. The amendment raises important questions about the balance of power within the government and the role of presidential discretion in the justice system.

Congress_id

119-HJRES-13

Policy_area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Introduced_date

2025-01-09

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HJR193

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that there is no immunity from criminal prosecution for an act on the grounds that such act was within the constitutional authority or official duties of an individual, and providing that the President may not grant a pardon to himself or herself.

US HJR77

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

US HJR210

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit persons who are not citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents of the United States from voting in elections.

US HB10559

To protect the national security of the United States by imposing sanctions with respect to certain persons of the People's Republic of China and prohibiting and requiring notifications with respect to certain investments by United States persons in the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

US HB10398

To prohibit certain sex offenders from entering or using the services of certain emergency shelters, to authorize the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to designate emergency shelters for such sex offenders, and for other purposes.

US HB464

Separation of Powers Restoration Act This bill restricts the ability of the President to exercise certain powers, such as declaring a national emergency. Specifically, the bill terminates all powers and authorities possessed by the President, any executive agency, or any federal officer that derive from a declaration of national emergency. It eliminates any statutory grant of authority allowing the President or any other officer or employee of the executive branch to declare a national emergency, specifying that such power is vested solely in Congress. Furthermore, for each presidential order (i.e., executive order, presidential proclamation, presidential directive, or similar presidential or executive branch instructions), the President must include a statement specifying the statutory or constitutional provision that grants the President the authority to issue the order. It also limits the effect of a presidential order to the executive branch, with certain exceptions, such as if the order cites the specific congressional enactment from which it derives its authority. The bill provides standing to challenge the validity of presidential orders to (1) certain federal, state, and local officials; and (2) persons adversely affected by the order. This bill also repeals the War Powers Resolution, a joint resolution that outlines procedures for Congress and the President to participate in decisions to send Armed Forces into hostilities.

US SB5512

A bill to restore the integrity of the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and for other purposes.

US SB5598

A bill to prohibit and require notifications with respect to certain investments by United States persons in the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

US SJR120

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to normalize vacancies and appointments for justices of the Supreme Court of the United States and for other purposes.

US HB332

Supporting Mexico Against Corruption Act This bill directs the President to impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on foreign persons who are current or former officials of the Mexican government and who are responsible for acts of significant corruption. These sanctions shall also apply to foreign persons acting on behalf of such a government official. The sanctions shall not apply to acts related to U.S. intelligence activities. The President may waive application of the sanctions for U.S. national security interests or to prevent undue economic harm to the people of Mexico.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.