President Joe Biden announced today the commutation of sentences for nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses, a historic step aimed at addressing systemic sentencing disparities. These individuals were serving lengthy sentences that far exceeded the terms they would face under current laws and policies.

“Today, I am commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice,” President Biden stated. “With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history.”

The clemency move seeks to rectify sentencing practices that have been criticized for decades, including the disparities between crack and powder cocaine offenses and outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes.

“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who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes,” President Biden explained.

Biden linked the decision to bipartisan reforms like the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act, which sought to bring fairness to sentencing laws. “As Congress recognized through the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act, it is time that we equalize these sentencing disparities,” he noted.

The president framed the action as part of a broader effort to correct historic injustices and provide opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives. “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,” he added.

President Biden concluded with a commitment to ongoing reform: “I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons.”

This monumental clemency decision reflects President Biden’s dedication to criminal justice reform and his belief in second chances for individuals impacted by outdated laws.