Biden's clemency announcement receives mixed reactions on Capitol Hill: 'What is the standard?'

The size of President Biden's act of clemency has left some congressional Republicans unhappy, while a number of Democrats are hoping to see it expanded.

""I am no longer surprised by this, as I am still grappling with the aftermath of Hunter Biden's promise to America that he wouldn't engage in such behavior," said Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla."

Despite pledging not to, Biden granted a broad pardon to his son Hunter Biden earlier this month, who had been convicted in two separate federal cases.

Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., stated that Biden's credibility had been further diminished by his decision to pardon his son.

"What is the location of the bar?" asked Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas. "No one knows for sure. I haven't explored the depths to find out who he's interacting with. But it's the United States, right?"

On Thursday, the president disclosed that he had shortened prison terms for approximately 1,500 individuals and issued 39 pardons for nonviolent offenders.

Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., questioned whether that indicated how corrupt he believed this administration to be.

Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the Senate Judiciary ranking member, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital, "It's a significant amount."

"He must uphold his decisions, as I haven't thoroughly examined their identities. The presidency's influence is immense."

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., responded to Biden's pardon grants to reporters on Thursday, reflecting on his own experience with pardons as governor.

If the community did not buy in, the person would not receive a pardon.

He explained that he would ensure his staff conducted a thorough investigation and a comprehensive analysis in that area.

"I hope so" was Manchin's response when asked if he trusted that Biden's administration conducted thorough due diligence on those whose sentences were being commuted.

On December 12th, the White House made public a list of individuals who had been granted clemency.

Durbin, a senator from Illinois, issued a statement endorsing Biden's move.

The senator commended President Biden for commuting the sentences of men and women in the justice system, stating that in many cases, the punishment does not fit the crime. The senator has long advocated for criminal justice reform to address inequities and believes that this act of mercy demonstrates leadership.

"The individuals have successfully returned to their communities and reunited with their families. I urge the president to continue using his pardon power during his remaining time in office to address miscarriages of justice, just as the founders of this democracy intended."

Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., commended the president's move, stating that the offenders were nonviolent and represented compassion. He emphasized that the decision would not compromise public safety and expressed his support for the president.

Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair, stated on Thursday that she hopes for more actions from Biden, including clemency for those on death row and the next list of individuals to be pardoned.

Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., stated that he backed Biden's decision to use his pardon power, although he has not yet reviewed all those affected. He emphasized the significance of employing pardon power and clemency to ensure that our system remains fair and continues to progress.