Joseph D. Morelle

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Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, my dear friend, the once and future chair of the Committee on Rules. I appreciate his passion and his energy around this issue. As many of us witnessed in this weekend's explosive ``60 Minutes'' report, the White House continues to betray the public's trust and abuse the pardon power for personal gain. To combat this rampant corruption, I recently introduced H.R. 10032, the No Payoffs for Pardons Act. This legislation will bring desperately needed transparency and accountability to the Presidential pardon process. It will prevent Presidents from exchanging clemency for financial or political favors. It will restore the trust that has been systematically eroded since this administration's term began. On the first day of Donald Trump's second term, he issued a blanket pardon to the violent cop-killers who attacked this very building, this Chamber, on January 6, 2021, many of whom have gone on to commit subsequent serious violent crimes. He has pardoned prolific fraudsters that have bilked families out of their life savings and retirement funds, depriving them of any chance whatsoever for justice or restitution. The Constitution grants Presidents broad authority to issue pardons as a safeguard against injustice, as an instrument for mercy, not as a tool for personal enrichment or political favoritism. Yet, President Trump has repeatedly used the clemency power to benefit only political allies, wealthy associates, and well-connected individuals, while at the same time cheating those who truly, truly deserve justice and mercy.