President Joe Biden is facing mounting pressure from Democratic lawmakers to use his clemency authority to address sentences for federal drug offenders before his term concludes.

The push aims to align outdated sentences with the reforms of the First Step Act of 2018, which reduced mandatory minimums for certain drug crimes, Newsmax reported.

Democratic Senators Lead Clemency Effort

A group of seven senators from the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Chair Dick Durbin, D-Ill., recently sent a formal letter to the president. The letter was co-signed by Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and other prominent Democrats. This call to action highlights the need for urgent clemency for those serving time under laws that imposed stricter penalties than the bipartisan First Step Act now enforces.

The First Step Act, enacted in 2018 during Donald Trump’s administration, revised several aspects of sentencing for drug-related offenses. However, the reforms were not applied retroactively, leaving many prisoners serving longer sentences under outdated rules.

The senators' letter specifically emphasized the need to address the sentencing disparity between crack cocaine and powder cocaine offenses. They argued that such disparities have disproportionately impacted communities of color.

Call to Revive Obama-Era Clemency Initiative

In addition to advocating for sentence reductions, lawmakers urged Biden to restart an initiative from President Barack Obama’s administration. That effort granted clemency to nearly 1,700 qualified individuals and was widely praised for addressing systemic sentencing inequities.

Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., expressed optimism about the president's potential to make a significant impact. “This administration has the opportunity to deliver justice to incarcerated people who were sentenced under overly harsh mandatory minimums that the bipartisan First Step Act corrected,” he said.

Welch further stressed the importance of swift action, stating, “The president should heed our call and use the power of executive clemency while he has it.”

Pressure Increases as Election Day Nears

With Election Day approaching, the sense of urgency among Democrats has grown. Many lawmakers fear that delays in action could allow shifting political priorities to hinder progress on criminal justice reform.

Donald Trump, who initially championed the First Step Act, has recently expressed regret over aspects of the reform. Democrats worry that his changing stance could signal reduced bipartisan support for similar initiatives in the future.

The senators' plea is rooted in a broader commitment to justice and equity. By using clemency powers, Biden could ensure that individuals sentenced under harsher pre-2018 laws benefit from the reforms they helped inspire.

Clemency Seen as Critical Step Forward

The proposed clemency effort would involve a categorical approach to sentence reductions. Advocates believe this method is necessary to address systemic injustices within the criminal justice system effectively.

Senators pointed out that failure to act could undermine public trust in the fairness of federal sentencing laws. They argue that aligning older sentences with modern reforms is not just a matter of justice but a vital step toward strengthening bipartisan progress.

The lawmakers also highlighted that individuals who could benefit from clemency have already demonstrated their potential for rehabilitation. By commuting their sentences, the administration could provide them with an opportunity to reintegrate into society.

Biden Faces Key Decision on Drug Sentencing

Biden's clemency record so far has included pardoning federal offenses for simple marijuana possession and commuting sentences for several nonviolent offenders. However, Democrats see this moment as a chance for the president to leave a more significant legacy on criminal justice reform.

The administration has not yet announced its intentions regarding the senators' request. Advocates are hopeful that Biden will consider the profound impact that clemency could have on affected individuals and their families.

As the clock ticks closer to Election Day, the pressure for decisive action continues to build. The outcome of this effort could shape the broader narrative of Biden's presidency on justice reform.