Rep. Don Bacon Co-Sponsors Bill to Allow Congress Veto Power Over Presidential Pardons
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-02) has become the first Republican co-sponsor of the Pardon Integrity Act, a proposed constitutional amendment that would grant Congress the authority to review and potentially overturn presidential pardons. The bill, initially introduced in December by Representative Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), aims to establish a check on the president’s clemency power.
How the Pardon Integrity Act Would Perform
The proposed amendment would allow at least 20 House members and five senators to initiate a process to nullify a presidential pardon. Congress would then have 60 days to gather a two-thirds majority vote to reject the pardon. This would apply to both current and future pardons issued by any president.
Bacon’s Rationale for Support
Representative Bacon stated that while presidential pardons are a constitutional authority, they should be subject to checks and balances. He expressed concern that the pardon power has been “abused,” according to NOTUS. Bacon previously opposed President Donald Trump’s pardons for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol insurrection, arguing that clemency should not be granted to those who harmed law enforcement.
Bipartisan Support and Concerns
Representative Olszewski praised Bacon’s decision to co-sponsor the bill, stating that safeguarding democracy should not be a partisan issue. He posted on X, “When pardons are abused to protect criminals and political allies, Congress has a duty to act.”
Olszewski, in a December opinion piece, argued that unchecked presidential power “corrodes our democracy” and that Congress must prevent “receive-out-of-jail free cards for the wealthy and well-connected.”
Trump’s Use of Presidential Pardons
Former President Donald Trump frequently used his pardon power, granting clemency to a wide range of individuals, including former politicians, sports figures, and financial leaders, as well as those convicted of crimes related to the January 6th Capitol attack.
Don Bacon’s Background
Don Bacon, born August 16, 1963, is a retired Brigadier General who served 29 years in the United States Air Force. He has represented Nebraska’s 2nd congressional district since 2017. According to his Wikipedia page, he is often considered a centrist or moderate Republican, and his district is a perennial swing district, having been carried by both Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024.
Bacon has been described as a “maverick” for opposing some of the policies proposed by Donald Trump. He identifies as a Reagan Republican.
Looking Ahead
The Pardon Integrity Act faces an uphill battle in Congress, as it requires a constitutional amendment, which demands broad bipartisan support. However, the bill’s bipartisan origins, with Bacon’s co-sponsorship, may signal a growing concern about the potential for abuse of the presidential pardon power.