The Word On: Presidential Pardon with SENATOR CHUCK GRASSLEY Q: Why was the President able to offer clemency to convicted terrorists? A: Under Article 2, Section 2 of the federal Constitution, the president is granted the authority to "grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States." On August 11, 1999, President Bill Clinton offered an executive grant of conditional clemency to 16 Puerto Rican militants for their involvement in some 130 bombings starting in the late 1970s. A month later, 14 accepted. In the meantime, the president's pardon power has become a political hot potato. Reports indicate...