AP: Biden sets record by commuting sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted on nonviolent drug charges

[Dennis Donovan]

AP - Biden sets record by commuting sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted on nonviolent drug charges

By WILL WEISSERT
Updated 8:54 AM EST, January 17, 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced Friday that he was commuting the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, using his final days in office on a flurry of clemency actions meant to nullify prison terms he deemed too harsh.

The recent round of clemency gives Biden the presidential record for most individual pardons and commutations issued. The Democrat said he is seeking to undo “disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice.”

“Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes,” Biden said in a statement. “This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars.”

The White House did not release the names of those receiving commutations. Still, Biden said more could yet be coming, promising to use the time before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated Monday to “continue to review additional commutations and pardons.”

/snip

[Prairie Gates]

1. Cue the minute nitpicking on one or two or three of these

I'm going to ignore it like the last round.

Bravo, Mr. President. Once again having the courage to do what others wouldn't.

[AllyCat]

2. Yes!! Thank you President Biden!

Why do presidents wait until the last possible moment for these pardons??

[Politicub]

3. Maybe because people complain and nitpick no

matter what?

The important thing is he has done it. It’s the right thing and 2,500 people are going to get a second chance.

One of the most annoying things about DU is when someone does a good thing, people come out and find something, anything be aggrieved about.

[AllyCat]

5. It is a legitimate question. I'm thrilled he has done this.

Historically, presidents wait until the end of their term. It would have meant so much to these 2500 people if it had happened 4 years ago.

I just don’t understand why they wait. They all do.

Bravo POTUS!

[raccoon]

4. Way to go, Joe!