NEWS: Justice Action Network Applauds President Biden for Largest Single-Day Commutation in U.S. History

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Justice Action Network (JAN), a national bipartisan organization dedicated to improving our criminal justice system and public safety outcomes at the state and federal levels, today praised President Joe Biden for commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in modern presidential history. This historic action primarily benefits individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic under the federal CARES Act and have demonstrated successful reintegration into their communities.

“JAN has long believed the CARES Act is a model example of how safe reentry can work, and we thank President Biden for commuting the sentences of those who have proven themselves to be worthy recipients of this second chance. These commutations represent a step towards achieving a more fair and balanced justice system, recognizing that over-incarceration does not make us safer,” said Lauren Krisai, Executive Director of JAN.

JAN has previously called upon President Biden to utilize his clemency powers more extensively, particularly concerning non-violent drug offenses. In April, following President Biden's announcement of 11 pardons and five commutations for individuals convicted of non-violent drug felonies, JAN urged the President to further utilize his executive clemency power, recognizing that thousands more individuals in federal prison for drug offenses would receive shorter sentences under current laws.

Krisai continued, “We urge President Biden to grant additional clemency applications before he leaves the White House in January. There are many more individuals behind bars who have committed themselves to living a rehabilitated life and are just as worthy of mercy in this country.”

“We also urge Governors and future White House administrations to see this announcement as an opportunity to assess the power clemency provides to extending second chances to those serving excessive sentences in prison and whose continued incarceration does not benefit public safety.”

JAN applauds President Biden’s decision and remains committed to working with policymakers across the aisle to ensure that today’s progress is part of a sustained effort to create a fairer, more equitable justice system focused on preserving public safety and improving correctional outcomes.