Biden’s controversial pardons shine new light on power, as PA lawmakers take next step to strip Joe’s name

Lawmakers at the state and federal levels are up in arms over President Joe Biden’s recent pardon spree, which saw more than 3,000 people have their sentences commuted or pardoned. The pardons, some of which were issued to members of Biden’s own family, have sparked outrage and calls for reform from politicians on both sides of the aisle.

One of the most controversial pardons was that of disgraced Pennsylvania Judge Michael Conahan, who was infamously known as the “kids for cash judge.” Conahan was charged in connection with a scheme to send juvenile offenders to for-profit prisons in exchange for kickbacks. Pennsylvania state Sen. Lisa Baker, who represents the area where Conahan once presided, called Biden’s pardon in this case “disrespectful to the victims, their families, the juvenile justice system, and to all the officials who have worked to reform the system.”

Lawmakers are also drawing attention to the lack of victim notification processes in the federal pardon system. While victims can sign up for notifications, they are not automatically informed if convicts are pardoned, transferred, or released. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among legislators, who are pushing for reforms to ensure that victims are kept in the loop.

Rep. Dan Meuser, who represents Pennsylvania, criticized Biden’s pardon spree, particularly the preemptive pardons given to family members and Trump critics. Meuser argued that these actions undermine the purpose of the presidential pardon power, which historically has been used to offer clemency or correct injustices. While Meuser acknowledged that Congress cannot intervene in the presidential pardon power, he stressed the need for accountability and transparency in the process.

Rep. Rob Bresnahan, who flipped Biden’s home district in the last election, echoed Meuser’s concerns, calling Biden’s use of presidential pardons “discouraging.” Bresnahan expressed disappointment that Biden had gone back on his campaign promises and called for greater oversight of the pardon process.

In response to Biden’s controversial pardons, lawmakers in Pennsylvania are drafting legislation to remove Biden’s likeness from public spaces in his hometown. The President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Expressway, which was designated by Scranton City Council in 2021, is one such area that could see a name change. Baker, who is involved in the drafting of this legislation, stressed the need to honor those who truly deserve recognition and to hold Biden accountable for his actions.

Overall, lawmakers are demanding greater transparency and accountability in the presidential pardon process to ensure that justice is served and victims are not forgotten. The controversy surrounding Biden’s record pardon spree has sparked a national conversation about the limits of presidential power and the need for reform in the justice system.