Pressley, Bush, Jeffries, Advocates Unveil Historic Bill to Transform Broken Clemency System, Address Mass Incarceration Crisis

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), along with Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and grassroots advocates, unveiled the Fair and Independent Experts in Clemency (FIX Clemency) Act, historic legislation to transform our nation's broken clemency system and address the growing mass incarceration crisis.

The bill, which the lawmakers unveiled at a press conference earlier today, is the latest legislation informed by Rep. Pressley's People's Justice Guarantee, her comprehensive, decarceration-focused resolution that outlines a framework for a fair, equitable and just legal system.

"Our growing mass incarceration crisis is rooted in white supremacy and has ravaged our communities, destabilized families, and exacerbated generational trauma for far too long," said Rep. Pressley. "Our bill would confront this crisis head-on by transforming our broken clemency system--which is plagued by secrecy, inefficiency, and systemic bias--and instead centering justice, equity, and transparency. Justice delayed is justice denied, and I'm grateful to Reps. Bush, Jeffries, and our advocates for their partnership on a bill that sets us on a pathway towards decarceration and healing."

"Congress and the Biden Administration have an obligation to end the era of mass criminalization," said Congresswoman Cori Bush. "2021 marks the first increase in 8 years of our federal prison population -- that's nearly a decade of progress that has been wiped out. As Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, I'm working to advance decarceral solutions that will bring thousands of people home to their communities. That's why I'm proud to introduce the FIX Clemency Act with my colleagues Reps. Pressley and Jeffries. Our clemency system is broken. When it comes to decarceration, communities like my own in St. Louis that have been devastated by mass incarceration and a failed war on drugs cannot stand for any more excuses. President Biden can grant clemency with a stroke of pen and this bill will help him do that. By establishing an independent board to clear the backlog of 18,000 clemency petitions, our bill will ensure that humanity, compassion, and love for our community members are at the center of our policy work. This important legislation will save lives."

"Fueled by the failed war on drugs, the mass incarceration epidemic that our nation faces has ruined lives, families and communities," said Congressman Jeffries. "Our broken clemency system only deepens this pain, and we must transform it in a just, equitable and transparent manner. The FIX Clemency Act does just that by creating an independent U.S. Clemency Board to fairly review applications. I thank Rep. Pressley for her tremendous leadership in introducing this important bill, unwavering commitment to justice and fierce advocacy on behalf of the least, the lost and the left behind."

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