STATEMENT RELEASE: MCDANIEL REACTS TO PRESIDENT BIDEN’S WANING HOURS ABUSE OF REPRIEVE AND PARDON POWERS
FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 21, 2025)—The following is a statement from Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, regarding former President Joe Biden’s final-day abuse of presidential pardon and commutation powers:
"A disgraceful abuse of executive power will forever stain Joe Biden’s legacy. In the final moments of his presidency, Biden issued preemptive pardons for his family and political allies while commuting the sentences of convicted killers. These actions are an affront to justice and a betrayal of the American people.
"Following a political coup within his own party, Biden never faced the voters’ judgment for the totality of his actions in office. Many of his most egregious decisions occurred after the November election. While he may feel shame, he will never see accountability for these actions.
"Kentucky cannot address the abuse of presidential powers, but we can take meaningful steps to strengthen trust in our executive branch powers. My proposed constitutional amendment, Senate Bill 126, would ensure Kentucky governors remain accountable by prohibiting pardons and commutations during the critical period before and immediately after an election. This reform is necessary to uphold transparency, integrity and public confidence in our justice system.
"I call on my colleagues to support this amendment and provide the people of Kentucky the opportunity to implement reasonable and much-needed safeguards on executive authority."
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During part one of the 2025 Legislative Session, McDaniel refiled Senate Bill 126, a proposed constitutional amendment to increase accountability in gubernatorial pardon powers. The bill would suspend the governor’s ability to issue pardons or commutations beginning 30 days before a gubernatorial election and lasting through the day of the next inauguration. This measure aims to restore public trust in the pardon process and prevent last-minute abuses like those seen following the 2019 gubernatorial election. If passed with three-fifths support in both legislative chambers, the amendment would appear on the 2026 general election ballot for voter consideration. Majority support among voters would amend the Constitution of Kentucky.
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Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, represents the 23rd Senate District in northern Kenton County. McDaniel serves as chair of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee and co-chair of the 2024-26 Budget Preparation and Submission Committee. He is an ex-officio member of each budget review subcommittee. Additionally, McDaniel is a member of the Senate Committees on Licensing and Occupations and State and Local Government. He is also a Public Pension Oversight Board member.
Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate123.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of McDaniel.