Legislative records or official announcements from the White House

Biden Commutes 1,500 CARES Act Sentences, Pardons 39 Non-Violent Offenders in Historic Clemency

Dec 12, 2024, 05:23 PM

On Thursday, President Joe Biden announced the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history, commuting the sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement under the CARES Act during the COVID-19 pandemic and granting full pardons to 39 people convicted of non-violent crimes such as drug offenses. The White House stated that this action underscores the administration's commitment to second chances and addressing sentencing disparities. Biden indicated that he plans to take additional steps in the weeks ahead.