Subramanyam, Min Push Bill To Increase Presidential Clemency Transparency

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Reps. Dave Min (D-CA) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) have introduced the Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act of 2026, a bill to increase transparency and accountability in the presidential clemency process.

The legislation is the House companion to Senate Bill S.256, introduced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

Announcing the bill, Min accused President Donald Trump of using the pardon power to benefit political allies, wealthy donors and well-connected individuals.

“My oversight investigation is following the money and influence behind these pardons, and this legislation ensures no president can continue operating this corrupt system in the shadows,” Min said. “The pardon power must serve justice, not wealth, loyalty, or political favors, and the American people have a right to know who is influencing these decisions.”

Subramanyam said the presidential pardon process requires stronger safeguards against misuse.

“Presidential pardons should not be for sale. President Trump has politicized his pardon power, pardoning January 6ers, fraudsters, and his friends,” he said. “There are clear gaps in our system that need to be addressed to prevent further abuse of pardons.”

Under the proposed legislation, the president would be required to publish a written explanation for every grant of executive clemency. It would also require the Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney to publish a Justice Impact Statement on the potential impact of each clemency decision on ongoing investigations and prosecutions.

The bill would further require crime victims to be notified and given an opportunity to submit their views before clemency is granted, require the Pardon Attorney to be informed earlier about potential pardons and commutations, and strengthen disclosure requirements for lobbying related to executive clemency.