Congressional Democrats are urging President Joe Biden to use his executive powers to commute the sentences of federal death row inmates, with 40 men currently awaiting execution. Representatives like Ayana Pressley and Cori Bush emphasized the need for Biden to act before the end of his term, reminding him of his promise to end federal executions made during the 2020 campaign. They fear that the incoming Trump administration may restart federal executions, as Trump has previously called for expanded use of the death penalty for various offenses. Advocates argue that the death penalty is a cruel, racist, and flawed punishment disproportionately affecting Black, brown, and low-income families. They believe that Biden has a unique opportunity to end this practice before leaving office. Commuting death sentences could define Biden’s legacy and demonstrate his willingness to protect individuals targeted by the Trump administration. Activists warn that preemptive pardons by Biden for his perceived enemies, including his son Hunter, set a precedent for using executive powers for protection. They stress that commuting death sentences is a crucial step for Biden to control his legacy as he prepares to leave office.
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Activist join Reps. Pressley and Bush in demanding Biden commute death sentences.
