Press Releases

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus today celebrated President Biden’s historic clemency action.

Today’s clemency announcement follows a December 11th letter from the Congressional Black Caucus which called on President Biden “to prioritize the commutation of sentences for individuals serving disproportionately long prison terms, particularly those who would receive significantly shorter sentences or have access to early release if they were sentenced under current law and practice."

“The Congressional Black Caucus applauds President Biden for this act of clemency in pardoning nearly 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice.

“As President Biden prepares to leave office, he has now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in our nation's history, solidifying a lasting legacy of upholding the values of criminal justice reform and equal protection under the law.

“For years, the CBC has been the leading voice in this fight. During this administration, President Biden has been our partner in this work, standing beside us in our commitment to justice. Following President Biden’s recent commutations of individuals on death row, we laud today’s act to prioritize the reduction of our federal overpopulation crisis, second chances for Americans to rebuild their lives, and the reunification of families.”