HJRES135119th Congress

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

Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2]

Introduced

Summary

Limit the President's pardon power by requiring quick notice to Congress and giving lawmakers a short, fast-track path to nullify reprieves or pardons. It would also bar pardons for offenses Congress already nullified and let a small number of members force a vote.

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  • Presidents would have to notify the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House within 3 days of granting a reprieve or pardon. If they fail to notify within 3 days, the reprieve or pardon would have no force or effect.
  • Congress could introduce a bill to nullify a reprieve or pardon within 30 days and could pass that bill within 60 days by a two-thirds vote of both Houses. A petition signed by 20 Representatives or 5 Senators would require that bill to be voted on.
  • A reprieve or pardon would take effect 90 days after the President's notification unless Congress nullifies it sooner. The amendment would forbid granting a reprieve or pardon for an offense that Congress already nullified.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Limits on Presidential Pardons

This bill would limit the President's pardon power and add fast congressional review. The President would have to notify the Senate President pro tempore and the House Speaker within 3 days of any reprieve or pardon. After that notice, Congress could introduce a bill to nullify the reprieve or pardon within 30 days. Congress could pass a nullification bill by a two‑thirds vote in both Houses within 60 days. If Congress did not nullify, the pardon would become effective 90 days after the notice. A nullification bill signed by 20 Representatives or 5 Senators would have to be voted on. If the President failed to notify within 3 days, the reprieve or pardon would have no force. The President could not pardon an offense that Congress already nullified. If ratified, Congress could enforce these rules by law.

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Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2]

MD • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]

    NE • R

    Sponsored 12/18/2025

  • Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 3/27/2026

  • Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/15/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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