Vito Fossella: “The power of clemency is an awesome power that is granted to the President under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the…”

“The power of clemency is an awesome power that is granted to the President under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution, that says, ``The President shall have the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.'' The party in power gives the President unlimited authority to grant full and committee pardons, conditional pardons, clemency, such as commuting sentences, reversing conditions, or nullifying conditions of release. This President has exercised this awesome power only three times since he has been President. President Bush, to my understanding, did it three times. There have been more than 3,000 applications for clemency, and Lord knows how many other people sitting in prison would want this power of clemency granted to them, as well. Of the three who have been released or granted clemency in the last 7 years, one was subsequently convicted and sent back to prison. So this is not something that is done every day. Now, all at once, 16 terrorists are being offered this power of clemency.”