Congressman Cohen Discusses Misuse of the Pardon Power at Hearing on Constitutional Amendments

Suggests his Constitutional amendment limiting the pardon power would end abuses

WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today questioned Constitutional law experts at a hearing on "Examining Proposed Constitutional Amendments" before the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government. Congressman Cohen focused his remarks on his concern about abuses and potential misuse of the Presidential pardon power, and discussed his Constitutional amendment introduced in Mayto prohibit a president from pardoning himself or herself, family members, current or former members of a president's administration and paid members of his or her campaign staff.

In his remarks, Congressman Cohen said in part:

"When I introduced it in the previous Congress, some might have thought it was aimed at Donald Trump, and indeed, his actions did inspire it. But if it's good for the goose, it's good for the gander and I introduced it again this year so it would be effective with President Biden…In my opinion, the president does not have the power now to pardon him or herself, but they shouldn't. That would put one person absolutely above the law."

See his entire remarks here.

Witnesses at today's hearing were:

• Mr. Nick Tomboulides, Executive Director, U.S. Terms Limits;
• Dr. David Primo, Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor of Political Science, University of Rochester;
• Mr. Thomas Jipping, Senior Legal Fellow, Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, The Heritage Foundation; and
• Stephen Spaulding, Vice President of Policy and External Affairs, Common Cause

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