Official U.S. Congressional records and announcements

Biden Sets Record by Commuting Sentences of Nearly 2,500 Nonviolent Drug Offenders

Jan 17, 2025, 03:00 PM

President Joe Biden, who leaves office next week, announced on Friday that he is commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in U.S. history. This action follows his December commutation of 1,500 sentences and 37 death sentences. With these moves, Biden has issued more individual pardons and commutations than any other American president, stating, "I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history." The president aims to address sentencing disparities resulting from outdated drug laws, particularly those related to crack and powder cocaine offenses. He noted that many of these individuals are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to what they would receive under current laws and policies. Biden's decision reflects his commitment to criminal justice reform and correcting historic injustices in the legal system.