Congressional Democrats are urging outgoing President Joe Biden to use his executive powers to commute the sentences of federal death row inmates, with Rep. Ayana Pressley emphasizing the need for clemency to save lives. There are currently 40 men on federal death row whose sentences could be commuted by Biden to life in prison, and advocates are concerned that the incoming Trump administration may restart federal executions. The push for commutations comes as Biden faces decisions on preemptive pardons for individuals targeted by Trump and his son Hunter. Activists believe that commuting the death sentences is an opportunity for Biden to shape his legacy and fulfill promises made during his campaign regarding the federal death penalty. The advocates are urging Biden to act before leaving office to prevent a resurgence of federal executions. They argue that commuting the death sentences is an important step in dismantling a cruel and racially biased punishment system that has disproportionately affected marginalized communities for too long. By utilizing his clemency power, Biden can demonstrate a commitment to justice and compassion, according to the advocates.
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Reps. Pressley and Bush, along with activists, call on Biden to commute death sentences
