Senate panel condemns presidential pardons for Jan. 6 convictions, sends resolution to rules committee

The Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on March 12 recommended passage of Senate Resolution 15, a measure condemning President Trump’s pardons of people convicted of crimes arising from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and referred the resolution to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration after a 7–1 vote with two abstentions.

The resolution’s author, Senator Latz, opened the presentation by showing a video of the January 6 attack and said the footage showed officers “crushed and pinned in doorways” and other violent conduct. He told the committee: “All I’m asking for you today is to demonstrate your support for law enforcement. To demonstrate your support for democracy.”

Supporters said the pardons undermined court verdicts and sent a dangerous message. Senator Westrom asked for a roll call and called the pardons “a moral insult” that has “a deep, profound effect” on people who watch the footage. Senator Carlson and Senator Clark cited law-enforcement statements opposing the pardons, including remarks from Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara as described by Clark.

Opponents described the resolution as untimely or partisan. Senator Lavert said he had received no constituent calls about the pardons and called the measure “somewhat of a distraction,” arguing the committee’s time is limited and focused on budget and other legislative work. Senator Limmer said he would “pass” on the vote for process reasons.

Committee discussion included back-and-forth about the scope of the resolution’s language and whether it implied disregard for federal judicial decisions. Senator Watts clarified the resolution was not an attack on the constitutional pardon power generally but objected to its exercise in this instance for the Jan. 6 convictions. Several members emphasized the resolution’s limited focus on pardons for convictions arising from the Capitol attack.

Senator Latz moved that the resolution be recommended to pass and be re-referred to the committee on rules and administration with a roll call. The clerk recorded votes as the committee proceeded; the chair announced the final tally as seven in favor, one against and two abstentions and said the resolution will move to the rules committee.

The committee did not adopt additional substantive language or amendments during the hearing and did not set a floor date; the motion sent the measure for further committee consideration under Senate rules.