Ban “pay-to-play” schemes that allow political favors, pardons, or appointments to be exchanged for money or gifts.
Ban pay-to-play schemes that exchange political favors, pardons, or appointments for money or gifts.
Occurrences
This legislation is being introduced in tandem on the House side by Representative Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.). "The American people deserve to know how the President is abusing the pardon power and their trust, that’s exactly what the No Payoffs For Pardons Act will deliver," said Rep. Morelle.
Evidence
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GovInfo lists H.R. 10032, the No Payoffs for Pardons Act, as introduced by Joseph D. Morelle on August 3, 2026 and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. The bill would amend title 18 to reform executive clemency.
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Rep. Raskin's official release says Raskin, Robert Garcia, and Joseph Morelle introduced the Protecting Our Democracy Act. The release describes the bill as prohibiting presidential acceptance of payments from pardon recipients or presidential appointees to prevent pay-to-play schemes.
Assessments
Morelle sponsored H.R. 10032, the No Payoffs for Pardons Act, and co-led the Protecting Our Democracy Act, both aligned with banning pay-to-play exchanges involving pardons, appointments, money, or gifts. However, the available official status shows these measures were introduced and referred to committee, not enacted, so the promised ban was not delivered. Because he made a concrete legislative attempt during his current House term, this merits an effort badge but not fulfillment credit.