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HJRES 108119th CongressIn Committee

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that there is no immunity from criminal prosecution for an act on the grounds that such act was within the constitutional authority or official duties of an individual, and providing that the President may not grant a pardon to himself or herself.

Introduced: Jul 22, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25] (D-New York)
Civil Rights & Justice
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The bill is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would remove legal immunity for public officials when they commit acts that are within their constitutional authority or official duties. It would apply to the President, Vice President, and other officers (including Members of Congress), with a narrow exception for Senators and Representatives to the extent their acts fall under the Speech or Debate Clause. In addition, the amendment would prohibit the President from granting a pardon or reprieve to themselves. The amendment is described as self-executing, with Congress empowered to pass implementing legislation. If enacted, the amendment would still require ratification by three-fourths of the states to become part of the Constitution. The overall aim is to increase accountability by ensuring that officials can be criminally prosecuted for acts performed in official capacity, while preserving a limited congressional protection for legislative speech and debate. It would mark a significant shift in how executive and legislative actions are shielded (or not) from prosecution, and it would eliminate the possibility of a self-pardon by the President.

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