Fallout from Clinton pardons for FALN prompts reform measure, renewed debate
By Terry Frieden CNN
February 8, 2000
Web posted at: 6:08 p.m. EST (2308 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Fallout from President Clinton's controversial pardons
of 16 members of a Puerto Rican nationalist group last summer prompted
Republicans Tuesday to introduce a measure to reform the pardon process and
require input from victims and their families.
At a Capitol Hill news conference, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep. Vito
Fossella (R-New York) announced the introduction of a measure requiring the Office
of Pardon Attorney in the Justice Department to notify victims or their
families of key events in the clemency process and allowing them to voice their
views. It would also require law enforcement agencies to provide information on
the potential impact from a grant of clemency.
President Clinton was widely criticized after he granted clemency to the
FALN members over the objections of law enforcement officials, and after the
Justice Department consulted representatives of the FALN prisoners, but not the
victims.
Hatch and Fossella were flanked by the widow of one victim and the son of
a second victim killed in the 1975 FALN bombing of a New York restaurant.
Justice Department officials say the proposed measure is unconstitutional
because it would restrict powers granted exclusively to the president.
The sponsors insist the changes would not interfere with the chief
executive's decision making.
"The president will still be able to disregard the Pardon Attorney's
reports, use another agency, ask anyone in the world for advice, or exercise
the 'pardon power' without anyone's counsel, Hatch said.
Hatch said he expects the Justice Department to oppose the measure, but
hopes to gain support from Democratic lawmakers.
Fossella rejected the notion the legislation is being introduced to
embarrass Hillary Clinton's bid for a Senate seat from New York.
"As far as Mrs. Clinton is concerned, this has nothing to do in my opinion
with her candidacy for the Senate. This has everything to do with the
privilege and power vested with the president of the United States that will
long survive this campaign for the Senate," Fossella said.
Joseph Connor, son of Frank Connor who died in the New York bombing, said
he hopes something good finally comes from his father's death.
"We're hoping that we have made a difference here, and I believe we have
through this bill. And maybe it can be a part of his legacy," Connor said.
Diana Berger Ettenson whose husband was killed in the blast said she too
hoped the measure would gain bipartisan support.
"I would urge people on both sides of the aisle to come together to do the
right thing, and I would also urge future candidates for the office of
president to think very carefully regarding this awesome power that is placed
in their hands. This power of clemency is like no other power," she said.
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