If enacted, the Pardon Disclosure Act will establish a clear requirement for Members of Congress to report their pardon requests, potentially deterring unethical practices. By instituting a 30-day disclosure deadline after any request is made, the bill aims to ensure that these decisions are made publicly accountable, thus increasing public confidence in the integrity of legislative processes. The requirement for both the requester and the recipient of the pardon request to disclose adds a layer of oversight to the process.
Summary
House Bill 2659, known as the Pardon Disclosure Act, aims to enhance transparency regarding requests for presidential pardons made by Members of Congress. This bill mandates that any Member who requests a presidential pardon, whether for themselves or another individual, must disclose this request to the appropriate congressional ethics committee. The act is intended to uphold ethical standards among legislators and avoid any potential misuse of the pardon power.
Contention
While the bill is largely seen as a step towards greater accountability, there are concerns regarding its implications on the privacy of Members of Congress. Some argue that this legislation could deter individuals from seeking pardons out of fear that such requests will become public knowledge, which might dissuade legitimate requests. Additionally, questions have been raised about the practical enforcement of these disclosure requirements and the consequences for non-compliance, which could lead to legal uncertainties regarding the handling of sensitive information.
Further_points
The establishment of civil penalties for non-compliance with the disclosure requirements—potentially reaching $100,000—highlights the seriousness of the bill's intent. By empowering the Attorney General to take action against violators, the Pardon Disclosure Act reinforces its commitment to ethical governance. Nevertheless, discussions around the bill indicate a need for careful consideration of the balance between transparency and the essential confidentiality aspects surrounding the presidential pardon process.
Applies to congress to call a convention pursuant to Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose an amendment regarding term limits for members of congress (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Applies to congress to call a convention pursuant to Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose an amendment regarding a limitation on the authority of congress to pass legislation pursuant to the commerce clause in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution
Applies to congress to call a convention pursuant to Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose an amendment regarding a limitation on the authority of congress to pass legislation pursuant to the necessary and proper clause in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution
Applies to congress to call a convention pursuant to Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose an amendment regarding a limitation on the authority of congress to pass legislation pursuant to the general welfare clause in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution