Legislative records and announcements from the U.S. Congress

Biden Commutes Sentences of Nearly 2,500 Nonviolent Drug Offenders, Addressing Crack Cocaine Disparities

Jan 17, 2025, 10:10 AM

President Joe Biden has announced the commutation of sentences for nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in U.S. history. This action aims to address sentencing disparities, particularly those related to crack cocaine offenses, and to rectify what Biden described as 'disproportionately long sentences' compared to current legal standards. The move is part of Biden's broader use of clemency powers as he nears the end of his term, having already set a record for the most individual pardons and commutations issued by any U.S. president. Biden has indicated that he may consider additional commutations and pardons before leaving office.