Biden sets record for most pardons and commutations with new round of clemency for nonviolent drug offenders
The president said that with Friday's action he has "now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history."
President Joe Biden said Friday he is commuting the sentences of more than 2,000 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, cementing his legacy as the president who has issued the most individual pardons and commutations in U.S. history.
Biden said in a statement that commuting the nearly 2,500 sentences would help "equalize" sentencing disparities.
"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who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes," he said.
"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.
"With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history," Biden said.
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