Several House Democrats are pushing to put more restrictions on the executive branch’s clemency powers after President Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., who has introduced a constitutional amendment to limit pardon powers, defended Biden’s decision but suggested limiting the power to prevent abuses.
Cohen’s amendment would eliminate pardons for the President’s self, family, administration officials, and campaign staff, as well as those who commit crimes on behalf of or to benefit the President. Other Democrats, such as Reps. Don Beyer, D-Va., and Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, expressed openness to some limitations on pardons.
Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., suggested focusing on uses of the pardon power, particularly commuting sentences for those imprisoned for minor offenses. Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, said Cohen’s bill is worth discussing, but Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., believes limiting pardon powers would be a “slippery slope.”
Resps showed skepticism, with Rep. Mike Ezell, R-Miss., and Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., rejecting the idea of limiting pardon powers. President Biden’s decision has sparked a wave of criticism, with some arguing that it sets a precedent for future abuses of power.