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

# Summary of HJRES 13: Presidential Pardon Limitations Amendment **What the Bill Would Do** This proposed constitutional amendment would restrict the President's power to pardon people in several ways. Specifically, it would prohibit presidents from pardoning themselves, their relatives, members of their administration, paid campaign staff, or anyone being pardoned for crimes connected to those groups' interests. It would also block pardons for crimes that were directed by or coordinated with the President, and would invalidate any pardons issued for corrupt purposes. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This amendment would primarily affect sitting and future presidents by limiting their executive powers. It would also potentially impact their family members, staff, campaign employees, and anyone connected to crimes involving these groups.

Currently, the bill is in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN) in the 119th Congress. It's important to note that a constitutional amendment requires approval from two-thirds of both the House and Senate, plus ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures—a high threshold intentionally designed to ensure broad consensus.