Several House Democrats are renewing their calls for more guardrails on the executive branch's pardon power after President Biden granted a sweeping pardon to his son Hunter.
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), who introduced a constitutional amendment limiting the president's pardon power during several congressional terms, defended Biden's decision, but critics of the decision said Biden He said he hopes they will cooperate with the bill.
“Pardon power should be a safety valve against injustice, and I can understand why President Biden thought it was appropriate in this case,” Cohen said earlier this week.
“However, I encourage all those who are uncomfortable with this pardon to co-sponsor and support the constitutional amendment that I introduced in the last several Congresses to reform the pardon power.This measure It abolishes pardons for the president himself, his family, his administration, officials and campaign staff, and people who commit crimes on his behalf, for his benefit, or at his direction. All cases have the inevitable recognition of conflicts of interest. ”
Lawmakers harshly criticize Biden's decision to pardon Hunter
President Biden (left) granted a sweeping pardon to his son Hunter. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
The pardon comes as many Democrats have expressed misgivings about it, arguing that it is broad in nature and sets a precedent for future abuses.
A spokesperson for Rep. Don Beyer (D-Virginia), who previously supported Mr. Cohen's amendment, said his position had not changed.
“It would be a good thing if Republicans reconsidered their stance in overlooking the president-elect's rampant abuse of the pardon power and stopped opposing pardon reform — especially the brutal assault on police officers on January 6th. “That would be a good thing, given the president's promise to pardon criminals,” the spokesperson said.
Several Democratic lawmakers who spoke to Fox News Digital suggested they would be open to some restrictions on pardons.
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Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Maryland, did not refuse to support the amendment, but he questioned whether there was enough political momentum for such a change. He also called on Biden to expand pardon powers for people incarcerated for minor offenses.
“That's something we could consider. But I would rather focus on the use of pardon powers. There are thousands of people who should be pardoned or have their sentences commuted who are incarcerated for misdemeanors,” Ivey said. said. “I’d like to see them focus on that.”
Congressman Steve Cohen is pushing for a constitutional amendment that would limit the president's pardon power. (Getty Images)
Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) said, “I think we need to look at presidential pardons. Congress needs to look at presidential pardons in general. “There will be a big debate about when people can be pardoned.” A person whose crime may be connected to the president. ”
“Mr. Cohen's bill is worth talking about. I think Mr. Cohen said he doesn't have a Republican co-sponsor, so I hope he gets support now,” said Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio. Ta.
But Republicans were skeptical.
“What we have now is what has been going on for hundreds of years. And you know, we don't always agree with the actions of one political party or the actions of another, but that I think it's something that needs to be maintained,” the councilor said. Mississippi Republican Mike Ezell told FOX News Digital.
Rep. Ralph Norman, R.S., said limiting the pardon power would be a “slippery slope” but accused Biden of “abusing” his responsibility.
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Meanwhile, House Republican Policy Chairman Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) did not comment on limits on pardon power, but said it should not be completely abolished.
“The fact that Joe Biden is basically protecting a crime family, overstepping his authority and basically exposing himself as a liar justifies a total removal. “I don't think it will be done,” he said.
Representative Ralph Norman said limiting presidential pardons is a “slippery slope.” (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Hunter Biden's pardon covers all crimes committed between 2014 and December 2024. The pardon comes as he faces potential prison time on separate firearms and tax charges.
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The 82-year-old president accused Republicans of weaponizing the justice system against his son, saying he had been “selectively and unfairly prosecuted.”
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) promised “reforms” during his weekly news conference Wednesday, but did not go into further details.
“This pardon is a perversion of justice and a complete disregard for the rule of law, and it undermines and further undermines public confidence in our justice system,” Prime Minister Johnson said. “So we are moving forward with reforms, but it won't happen soon.”
