Dear FAMMily,

As you may have already heard, President Biden has announced the commutation of nearly 1,500 individuals on CARES Act home confinement. This is a powerful step forward in the fight for justice and second chances, and we are proud to share how FAMM’s advocacy contributed to this outcome.

This victory is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. In January 2021, the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued a memorandum requiring the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to return individuals with extended home confinement under the CARES Act back to prison. This decision created fear and uncertainty for thousands of families.

FAMM immediately sprang into action, and through nearly two years of tireless work, including our “Keep Them Home” campaign, we raised awareness of this threat and advocated for lasting protections. In 2023, we celebrated a hard-fought accomplishment when a final rule allowed these individuals to remain at home. Now, we celebrate another monumental achievement: commutations for those individuals who have the second chances they’ve worked so hard to earn.

Many of the recipients have been home for more than four years, reconnecting with their families, furthering their education, and contributing positively to their communities. This clemency ensures that their futures are no longer overshadowed by the possibility of returning to prison.

We applaud President Biden for taking this important step forward, but there is still much work to be done. We have called on the President to grant clemency to others still awaiting relief, including:

People serving sentences that can no longer be imposed under the First Step Act,
Individuals sentenced under the crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity, and
Those serving “old law” sentences for offenses committed before 1987.

This moment highlights the power of second chances and the importance of justice that prioritizes dignity and humanity. Your steadfast support has made this possible, and together, we will continue to fight for those still awaiting mercy and fairness. Please consider a donation as we press forward for more clemency good news into the New Year: https://act.famm.org/a/2024-eoy

Read our official press release.

Thank you for standing with us and being an essential part of FAMM’s mission.

With gratitude and strength,