Right On Crime Calls for Action on Presidential Pardon Expungement Bill
In a letter to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, Right On Crime has urged legislators to advance the bipartisan Weldon Angelos Presidential Pardon Expungements Act, which seeks to create a process for expunging the records of individuals who have received full presidential pardons.
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The legislation addresses a gap in federal law that leaves pardon recipients with a lasting criminal record, despite being forgiven of past offenses by the president.
Key Points of the Legislation
Expungement Process: The bill establishes a formal mechanism through which pardon recipients can petition for record expungement. It also allows the government to weigh in on the appropriateness of such requests.
Not Automatic: The bill does not guarantee expungement but provides a pathway to evaluate each case individually.
Impact on Recipients: If enacted, it could remove barriers to employment, housing, and education for pardon recipients, allowing them to rebuild their lives more effectively.
Why the Bill Matters
“Every American deserves a chance to leave their worst mistakes behind them and become contributing citizens to their communities,” said Brett Tolman, Executive Director of Right On Crime and a former U.S. Attorney.
Under current law, even those fully pardoned by the president continue to face the stigma and practical limitations of a criminal record. This often undermines the purpose of a pardon, which is to forgive and free individuals from the burden of their past convictions.
Weldon Angelos: The Namesake and Advocate
The bill is named after Weldon Angelos, who received a full presidential pardon from Donald Trump in 2020. Angelos was sentenced to 55 years in prison as a 23-year-old for selling marijuana to a police informant while carrying a firearm, despite never using or brandishing the weapon. After serving 13 years with exemplary behavior, he became a successful music producer and an advocate for clemency reform.
Right On Crime’s Role
Right On Crime, a campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, focuses on conservative solutions to reduce crime, assist victims, and improve public safety. Supporting the Weldon Angelos Act aligns with its mission to promote policies that enable rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Next Steps
The Weldon Angelos Act is designed for efficient legislative consideration due to its targeted scope and potential for meaningful impact. Advocates believe it provides a balanced approach to justice reform by ensuring that the rare recipients of presidential pardons can fully benefit from a clean slate.
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