President Biden's unprecedented single-day act of clemency, commuting nearly 1,500 sentences and granting 39 pardons, has ignited a firestorm of responses, with Republicans expressing disapproval and Democrats largely applauding the move, some even calling for its expansion.
Republican lawmakers voiced their discontent. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) expressed her continued frustration with the president's actions, particularly referencing the prior pardon of Hunter Biden. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) asserted that the president's credibility had been diminished, while Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) questioned the criteria used in these clemency decisions. Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) questioned the implications of such a large-scale clemency action.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, acknowledged the significant number of clemency grants while emphasizing the president's prerogative in such matters. Outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) reflected on his own cautious approach to pardons as governor, emphasizing community input and thorough due diligence. He expressed hope that the Biden administration had conducted similar vetting.
On the Democratic side, Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) issued a statement commending the president's action, highlighting the need for criminal justice reform and praising Biden's leadership. He encouraged further use of the pardon power to address injustices. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) expressed support, emphasizing the nonviolent nature of the offenses and the compassion reflected in the decision. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, voiced a desire for further clemency actions, specifically mentioning individuals on death row. Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) expressed general support for the use of pardon power while acknowledging he hadn't reviewed all the individual cases.
The White House released a list of those granted clemency on December 12th.
