Reps. Dave Min and Suhas Subramanyam have introduced the Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act of 2026 to enhance oversight and transparency in the presidential clemency process.
WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Dave Min (D-CA) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) have unveiled the Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act of 2026, a legislative effort aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the presidential clemency process.
This bill serves as the House companion to Senate Bill S.256, which was introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
In announcing the new legislation, Rep. Min criticized former President Donald Trump for allegedly exploiting 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 stated. “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 echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards against the misuse of presidential pardons.
“Presidential pardons should not be for sale. President Trump has politicized his pardon power, pardoning January 6ers, fraudsters, and his friends,” he remarked. “There are clear gaps in our system that need to be addressed to prevent further abuse of pardons.”
The proposed legislation mandates that the president publish a written explanation for every grant of executive clemency. Additionally, it requires the Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney to issue a Justice Impact Statement detailing the potential effects of each clemency decision on ongoing investigations and prosecutions.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that crime victims must be notified and given the opportunity to express their views before clemency is granted. It also calls for the Pardon Attorney to be informed earlier about potential pardons and commutations, and it strengthens disclosure requirements for lobbying related to executive clemency.
This legislative initiative reflects a growing concern among lawmakers regarding the integrity of the clemency process and aims to restore public trust in how pardons are granted.
According to India-West, the introduction of this bill marks a significant step toward ensuring that the presidential clemency process operates with greater transparency and accountability.