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Ranking Member Cohen Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Limit Presidential Pardon Power

October 31, 2017

Would prohibit presidents from pardoning themselves, as well as members of their family, administration and campaigns

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, today introduced a Constitutional Amendment to limit the scope of a president's pardon power. The Amendment would prohibit presidents from pardoning themselves, as well as members of their family, their administration and campaign staff. Video of the Congressman speaking on House floor about the Amendment can be found here.

"The pardon power is supposed to be a safety valve against injustice," he said. "It is not supposed to be a way for presidents to put themselves, their families and members of their administration and campaigns above the law. Monday's indictment of President Trump's Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort demonstrates how important it is for Congress to act."

The amendment would apply to the current as well as future presidents.

See the text of the amendment here.