Statement From Arnold Ventures’ Kevin Ring on President Biden’s Clemency Actions

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 22, 2023) – In response to President Biden’s announcement today that he commuted 11 federal prison sentences, Kevin Ring, vice president of criminal justice advocacy at Arnold Ventures, issued the following statement: 

“When Congress fixes a flawed sentencing law, people punished for their crimes under the old law do not automatically get their sentences adjusted. Thousands of people are serving lengthy federal prison terms they would not receive if they were convicted today – sentences that far outweigh their crime, break apart families, and do not help to keep communities safe. We applaud President Biden for using his clemency power to fix 11 such sentences this morning. 

“Making all sentencing reforms, including those contained in the First Step Act, retroactive would strengthen American communities and families, improving safety and stability by providing a pathway for those who are incarcerated for select nonviolent crimes to rebuild their lives. Until Congress acts, the president is right to use his authority to fix these injustices.” 

Watch Ring’s recent appearance on C‑SPAN, where he spoke with Americans about important issues in criminal justice reform today. 

###

Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy that supports research to understand the root causes of America’s most persistent and pressing problems, as well as evidence-based solutions to address them. By focusing on systemic change, AV is working to improve the lives of American families, strengthen their communities, and promote their economic opportunity. Since Laura and John Arnold launched their foundation in 2008, the philanthropy has expanded, and Arnold Ventures’ focus areas include education, criminal justice, health, infrastructure, and public finance, advocating for bipartisan policy reforms that will lead to lasting, scalable change. As signatories of the Giving Pledge, the Arnolds have committed to giving away most of their wealth during their lives.

Media Inquiries
If you are a member of the media, contact us via email at media@​arnoldventures.​org. Please include your name, media outlet affiliation, contact information, questions, and deadline.