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Biden Commutes Sentences of 2,500 Nonviolent Drug Offenders, Setting Clemency Record

Jan 17, 2025, 11:21 AM

President Joe Biden announced that he will commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in U.S. history. This action aims to address sentencing disparities stemming from outdated drug laws, particularly those related to crack cocaine offenses, where individuals received disproportionately long sentences compared to current standards. With this move, President Biden has now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any other U.S. president. "Today, I'm commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses," Biden stated. "This is an important step toward righting historic wrongs and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their communities after far too much time behind bars." Senator Cory Booker praised the action, stating, "This is what living up to our American values looks like." The White House has not immediately released the names of those receiving commutations.