Require Reasons for Every Pardon: Pass the Pardon Transparency Act

More than 1,600 pardons in 16 months, almost none through the pardon office.

A letter to your members of Congress. Facts checked September 26, 2026.

The Letter

Subject Please Co-Sponsor the Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act (S. 256 / H.R. 9860)

A pardon is one of the few presidential powers with no check at all, which is why it should at least happen in the open. More than 1,600 pardons and commutations were granted in the first 16 months of this term. By July 2025, only 10 recipients had gone through the Justice Department's pardon office, the process meant to weigh each case. Voters cannot judge a pardon they never hear the reasons for, and cannot see who was paid to seek it. The Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act, S. 256 in the Senate and H.R. 9860 in the House, would require the president to publish the reasons for each pardon and require lobbyists who seek clemency to register. Please co-sponsor the Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act.

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U.S. Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121

I'm calling to ask the member to co-sponsor the Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act, S. 256 or H.R. 9860.
More than 1,600 pardons and commutations were granted in 16 months, and by July 2025 only 10 recipients had gone through the pardon office.
The bill requires a published reason for each pardon and makes clemency lobbyists register.
Please co-sponsor it.

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The Facts Behind the Ask

1,600+ pardons and commutations in the first 16 months of the second term (source)
10 recipients who had gone through the Office of the Pardon Attorney, as of July 2025 (source)
S. 256 / H.R. 9860 the Pardon Transparency and Accountability Act, in committee in both chambers (source)

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