H.R.2248 - Signature Integrity for Granting National Pardons Act; SIGN Pardons Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2248, the SIGN Pardons Act, mandates that the President of the United States personally sign any pardon or reprieve granted. This bill aims to ensure accountability and transparency in the pardon process. It was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 21, 2025, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would change the process of granting pardons by requiring the President's direct signature. This could potentially slow down the pardon process, as it removes the possibility of delegation. It may also increase public scrutiny of each pardon.
Potential Benefits
- Increased accountability for presidential pardons.
- Greater transparency in the pardon process.
- Reinforces the importance of the pardon power as a presidential responsibility.
- May reduce the potential for abuse of the pardon power.
- Could enhance public trust in the integrity of the pardon process.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential delays in granting pardons due to the personal signature requirement.
- May increase political pressure on the President regarding pardon decisions.
- Could create a bottleneck if the President is unavailable or unwilling to sign pardons promptly.
- The bill does not address other potential issues with the pardon process, such as conflicts of interest.
- May be perceived as a symbolic gesture without significant practical impact.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution, which grants the President the power to grant pardons and reprieves. By requiring the President's personal signature, the bill reinforces the President's direct responsibility for this constitutional power. It does not appear to infringe upon any other constitutional provisions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).