Biden commutes sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders

"With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history," Biden says

Published: January 17, 2025 7:14am

Updated: January 17, 2025 7:44am

President Biden announced Friday that he's commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders and vowed to "continue to review" additional actions related to pardons and commutations. 

"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," he said in a statement. 

"With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history," he added.

Biden said this latest  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who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes."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 cited the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act in his statement about the commutations. 

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