Republicans are not happy about this at all.
As President Joe Biden’s time in office draws to a close, he has announced plans to commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 inmates, a move that is sure to stir both praise and concern across the political spectrum. The commutations primarily target individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses, particularly those who were handed disproportionately long sentences due to outdated laws and sentencing guidelines.
In a statement, President Biden emphasized that the clemency actions would provide relief to those convicted under laws that no longer reflect current standards of justice, particularly highlighting the inequities between crack and powder cocaine sentencing. He pointed to the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 and the First Step Act of 2018 as key legislative efforts aimed at addressing these disparities, noting that now is the time to correct these historical wrongs. According to Biden, this action would give deserving individuals a second chance to reunite with their families and communities after spending years behind bars.
This commutation action, which makes Biden the president to issue the most clemency in U.S. history, has generated mixed reactions. On one hand, Biden’s supporters argue that this move is an essential step toward criminal justice reform and the healing of longstanding injustices. On the other hand, critics, including some Republicans, argue that it undermines law and order by rewarding individuals who committed crimes that caused harm to society.
Biden has also faced controversy over previous decisions, such as commuting the sentences of several high-profile figures, including the 37 men on federal death row, and granting a controversial pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, for various federal crimes.
As we approach the end of Biden’s presidency, there are still thousands of cases under review, with nearly 7,000 individuals awaiting commutation. Whether or not these actions will be seen as a lasting positive legacy or a dangerous policy of leniency remains to be seen. For many Republicans, Biden’s clemency moves are a stark reminder of his administration’s commitment to policies that prioritize leniency over law and order, and the potential risks that could come with these decisions.