In a decisive move aimed at addressing historical sentencing disparities, President Joe Biden announced the commutation of sentences for nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses. This sweeping clemency action, revealed in an early morning statement from The White House, targets those who have served excessive time based on outdated drug laws, particularly the distinctions between crack and powder cocaine.

President Biden stated, "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," according to The White House. With this measure, he claims to have issued more individual pardons and commutations than any other president in the history of the United States. The actions, he suggests, are a step towards amending the scales of justice that have long been imbalanced, providing a renewed chance for those affected to rejoin their families and communities.

The clemency measures stem from recognition by Congress, as evidenced by the passing of the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act, that there has been a pressing need to right the wrongs of former draconian drug laws. Such laws have historically imposed harsher punishments on crack cocaine offenses, widely seen as racially biased, given that they disproportionately affected African American communities.

Under Biden's administration, the goal has been to re-evaluate and rectify these disparities. In his statement, Biden conveyed pride in his clemency record. "I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons," asserting his commitment to ongoing efforts in criminal justice reform, according to The White House.