A group of House Democrats has introduced a bill aimed at stopping what they call a pay-to-play system around presidential pardons. The measure has little chance of becoming law while Donald Trump is in the White House, but it hints at how Democrats may use their new majorities after sweeping wins in the midterm elections.
\n\nReps. Mike Levin of California and Jason Crow of Colorado unveiled the Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act on Wednesday. Both are part of the “End Corruption Caucus.” The bill targets clemency decisions that could involve conflicts of interest, or favors for a president’s allies and donors.
\n\nUnder the proposal, the Justice Department’s inspector general would be told to look into pardons that raise possible conflicts of interest. The bill would also spell out that a president or vice president can be prosecuted for trading pardons for something of value. People who receive pardons would have to disclose gifts made to projects linked to the president, such as his library or the White House ballroom. Self-pardons would be banned outright.
\n\nThat last point touches on something Trump said this month. He told “60 Minutes” he believes he has the power to pardon himself, though he…
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