119th Congress · House bill · Last action Dec 18, 2025
H.J.Res. 135In CommitteeGovernment Operations and Politics
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the pardon power of the President.
Sponsor: Rep. Olszewski, Johnny (D-MD)10 cosponsorsIntroduced Dec 18, 2025
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In plain English
This constitutional amendment limits the President's power to grant pardons and reprieves in several ways. The President must notify Congress before granting a pardon or reprieve, and Congress can pass legislation to block such grants. The President cannot pardon themselves, members of their family, their campaign staff, or certain political allies. Congress gains authority to enforce these restrictions through legislation.
What’s in the bill (5 sections)
- Sec. 1. The President shall transmit a notification of a grant
- Sec. 2. Any Bill to nullify a Reprieve or Pardon that is
- Sec. 3. If the President fails to notify the President pro
- Sec. 4. The President may not grant a reprieve or pardon of an
- Sec. 5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by
Generated by ThePolitibase from the bill text and CRS summary. Read the official text →
Where it is in the process
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Introduced
Dec 18
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House committee
Dec 18
3
House floor
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4
Senate
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5
Signed
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What happens next: Sits in committee. Needs a markup or favorable report to advance to the House floor.
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Sponsor
JR
Cosponsors (10)
DR
JR
MR
SR
JR
SR
GR
+3
9 Democrats, 1 Republican (of 10 shown).
Activity timeline
Dec 18
Dec 18, 2025
Dec 18, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Dec 18
Dec 18, 2025
Dec 18, 2025
Introduced in House
Dec 18
Dec 18, 2025
Dec 18, 2025
Introduced in House
Read the bill text
Official text via Congress.gov. Opens in a new tab.
Full action log
All 3 recorded actions since introduction · Source: Congress.gov
Dec 18
HOUSEReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Dec 18
Introduced in House
Dec 18
Introduced in House
All 10 cosponsors
9 Democrats · 1 Republican
Democrats (9)
Walkinshaw, James R.VA-11
Levin, MikeCA-49
Thanedar, ShriMI-13
Johnson, JulieTX-32
Elfreth, SarahMD-03
Whitesides, GeorgeCA-27
Beyer, Donald S.VA-08
Escobar, VeronicaTX-16
Landsman, GregOH-01
Republicans (1)
Bacon, DonNE-02
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