US Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution Opposing Pardon for FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried... Strong Bipartisan Warning

On July 16, 2026, the US Senate unanimously passed a resolution (S.Res.772) stating that FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) should not be granted any form of presidential pardon or commutation. It is considered highly unusual for all senators to speak with one voice despite extreme political polarization.

Sam Bankman-Fried should not, under any circumstances, receive executive clemency, including a presidential pardon or commutation.

This resolution is a direct response from the legislative branch to SBF's recent request for a pardon from the administration. The Senate stated that it made this decision to uphold the rule of law and maintain the integrity of the US financial system.

S.Res.772 Born from Bipartisan Cooperation

The resolution was co-sponsored by Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis, known as the 'Bitcoin Senator,' and Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego. Their cooperation demonstrates a cross-party commitment to strict punishment for criminal acts within the cryptocurrency industry.

• Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY): A leader in cryptocurrency regulation and industry protection, she strongly criticized SBF's actions.
• Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ): Emphasized strict law enforcement for financial crimes and victim protection.

Senator Lummis emphasized that the financial catastrophe caused by SBF left indelible scars on countless investors. Senator Gallego also made it clear that judicial justice must not be compromised in order to restore trust in the financial system.

Not a single dissenting vote was cast during the resolution's adoption process. This suggests that the entire political spectrum has formed a deep consensus on the harm SBF's actions caused to the U.S. economy and its citizens.

Timeline from Appeal Failure to Resolution Passage

The incident began on June 12, 2026, when SBF's legal appeal ultimately failed. Immediately after the appeal was dismissed, SBF's side reportedly attempted to seek a presidential pardon, an administrative remedy, which triggered an immediate backlash from Congress.

The Senate responded quickly to SBF's pardon attempt. On June 17, 2026, just five days after the appeal failed, Senators Lummis and Gallego formally introduced S.Res.772, expressing the legislature's strong opposition.

After about a month of review, it was finally passed by Unanimous Consent on the Senate floor on July 16, 2026. This reflects the Senate's determination to respect the judiciary's ruling and check the executive branch's exercise of arbitrary power.

Moral Responsibility and Constitutional Limits

The resolution stated that SBF is not showing genuine remorse for the financial ruin he caused. The Senate defined his conviction as an essential element in ensuring transparency in financial markets.

However, this resolution is a nonbinding measure expressing the 'Sense of the Senate.' There are constitutional limits, as it cannot legally restrict the President's pardon power specified in Article II of the U.S. Constitution.

Nevertheless, the unanimous resolution of the entire Senate is expected to act as significant political pressure on the White House. While the current administration maintains a negative stance on a pardon for SBF, this resolution is interpreted as a move to block any future possibility of a pardon.

The cryptocurrency industry and the public sector view the passage of this resolution as a symbolic event marking the conclusion of the legal battles surrounding the FTX incident. Market participants predicted that this firm stance from the political sphere would have a positive impact on future cryptocurrency-related regulatory legislation.