Washington D.C., December 9, 2024 – In a letter to President Joe Biden, national criminal justice organizations urged the White House to prioritize public safety and strong communities by using executive clemency power to grant release to individuals who have served long federal sentences, often longer than they would receive if sentenced today. 

The organizations (Right On Crime, CPAC Nolan Center for Justice, Faith & Freedom Coalition, Unify. us, Due Process Institute, and Prison Fellowship) reminded Biden that people, cases, and the law can change, making it important to reassess whether continued incarceration serves the interest of public safety. 

The letter states, “Clemency is not an act of leniency. It is about ensuring that sentencing laws are applied fairly and consistently, particularly in cases where outdated laws have led to disproportionately harsh punishments.” 

The letter acknowledged that clemency considerations must be made with an eye towards safety, requiring the vetting of individuals to determine whether they continue to pose public safety risks. Following the positive recommendations of the Office of the Pardon Attorney, which are the product of rigorous individualized investigations, would provide a clear and transparent way to address these considerations. 

While supporting numerous state-level policies, as well as successful federal reforms like the First Step Act and the Federal Prison Oversight Act, the group of conservative organizations continue to advocate for measures like the EQUAL Act to address sentencing disparities. They point to the First Step Act which significantly reduced the mandatory sentences for certain crimes, such as those under 18 USC sec. 942(c), where the same behavior now merits a 15-year sentence instead of 55 years, as in the infamous case of Weldon Angelos. 

As stated in the letter, “Clemency is not just the right thing to do; it is also a good policy. Through a broad and principled clemency effort, you can reduce incarceration without compromising public safety, provide second chances to those who have demonstrated rehabilitation, and relieve the burdens on our federal prison system.”

Right On Crime is a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation supporting conservative solutions for less crime, fewer victims, and safer communities. For more information, visit our website at www.RightOnCrime.com or contact Tonya Kerr at 512-300-3767.