119-SRES-608 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary: S.Res. 608 (119th Congress)

Headline Summary: A nonbinding Senate resolution urges the President not to pardon or otherwise grant clemency to Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein now serving a 20‑year federal sentence; it was introduced on February 12, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. (congress.gov)

What It Does: The resolution states the Senate’s view that Maxwell—convicted of federal crimes including conspiracy to transport minors for illegal sex acts, transportation of a minor for illegal sex acts, and sex trafficking of a minor—should not receive a presidential pardon, commutation, or other clemency. It does not change law or limit the President’s constitutional pardon power; as a simple “sense of the Senate” measure, it expresses the chamber’s opinion only. (caselaw.findlaw.com)

• Who’s For It: Sponsor Sen. Jacky Rosen (D‑NV) says the Senate should go on record opposing clemency and has signaled she may seek unanimous consent if no recorded vote is scheduled. (rosen.senate.gov)
• Who’s For It: House Democrats have pushed parallel measures—Rep. Jamie Raskin (D‑MD) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D‑IL) introduced similar resolutions—indicating broader Democratic backing for the idea. (congress.gov)
• Who’s For It: Supporters argue clemency would undercut accountability for the sexual exploitation of minors and deny survivors justice—the core reasoning echoed in the resolution text. (congress.gov)

• Who’s Against It: No formal Senate opposition list has emerged, but the White House has said a Maxwell pardon is not being considered—an argument some may cite to call the resolution unnecessary. (forbes.com)
• Who’s Against It: Past presidential remarks that he is “allowed” to grant a pardon—and has not categorically ruled it out—frame the political debate but also lead some to view such resolutions as symbolic rather than substantive. (forbes.com)

What’s Next: As of February 14, 2026, the resolution remains in the Senate Judiciary Committee. It could receive committee consideration, be brought directly to the floor, or be offered by unanimous consent; if adopted, it would record the Senate’s position but would not carry the force of law. (congress.gov)

Why It Matters: The move follows renewed attention to the Epstein case and Maxwell’s recent appeal for clemency, with her lawyer telling lawmakers she’d provide testimony if the President reduced her sentence—context that helped prompt this measure. (apnews.com)