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Trump on Friday commuted Stone's sentence, sparing him from having to report to a federal prison in Georgia to begin serving 40 months behind bars. In November Stone was convicted of lying to Congress during the investigation into Russian election meddling.But can Congress investigate a president’s grant of clemency?
As recently as last week, in its decision in the Trump congressional subpoena case, the Supreme Court said Congress’ power to investigate is tied to its power to make laws. It can demand information only if “it is related to, and in furtherance of, a legitimate task of the Congress," and its investigations must serve a “valid legislative purpose".
Can Congress investigate Trump'''s commutation of Roger Stone'''s sentence?
I agree with Mr. Williams' assessment, and thought the same thing when I read reports that the House was planning to investigate. If they seriously want to curtail this particular presidential power, then they will have to start working on an amendment to the constitution. Congressional oversight is an important function of government, but it's not an unlimited power.