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HRES 116119th CongressIn Committee

Condemning the pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers.

Introduced: Feb 5, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12] (D-New Jersey)
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H. Res. 116 is a House resolution in the 119th Congress that formally condemns pardons given to individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers. It states that the House disapproves of any such pardons. As a resolution, it expresses a legislative stance or sentiment rather than creating new law or imposing new obligations. It does not alter the authority of the President to grant clemency, but it signals broad disapproval within the House and seeks to shape public and political discourse around the issue. The resolution is non-binding and would not change existing statutes or grant, restrict, or direct pardoning power. It is largely a statement of position intended to influence opinions, politics, and potentially future executive or legislative actions.

Key Points

  • 1The core message is disapproval: The House disapproves of pardons for individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers.
  • 2Nature of the instrument: This is a congressional resolution (a formal expression of sentiment), not a bill that would create or modify law.
  • 3Scope and subject: The focus is on clemency (pardons) granted to people convicted of assaulting Capitol Police Officers.
  • 4Procedural status: Introduced in the House, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; reflects a formal but non-binding step in the legislative process.
  • 5Sponsorship and support: The measure lists a broad group of sponsors, indicating wide reflection of members’ positions though it remains a symbolic expression rather than enforceable policy.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Capitol Police Officers and their colleagues, families, and supporters, as well as individuals who have been pardoned or are seeking clemency in cases involving assaults on Capitol Police.Secondary group/area affected: The President and the executive clemency process (pardons), since the resolution targets presidential pardons and signals congressional sentiment on clemency decisions.Additional impacts: The resolution can influence public discourse, media framing, and political calculations around crime, accountability, and the treatment of individuals who attacked law enforcement during high-profile events. It does not change legal standards, penalties, or enforcement mechanisms, but it contributes to the political environment in which pardons are considered.
Generated by gpt-5-nano on Nov 19, 2025