Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Commends Biden's Decision to Stop Execution of 37 Individuals on Federal Death Row

TAMARAC, FL – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick applauds President Biden for commuting the sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row from execution to life without parole.  

“Today, President Biden reaffirmed America’s relentless pursuit of equal protection under the law. His historic decision to pardon those with low-level marijuana offenses and grant more sentence reductions than any other president in recent history sends a powerful message that America must deliver on its promise of a fair and just society.  

“The stark reality is that the death penalty has often been unfairly given to marginalized communities, highlighting the systemic problems in our justice system. In Florida alone, 34 people have been cleared from death row since 1973. Of these individuals, more than half were people of color. These aren’t just numbers; they represent lives deeply devastated by a flawed system that can be prone to mistakes. 

“The risk of wrongful convictions due to incorrect eyewitness accounts, racial bias, and unreliable forensic evidence is too great. Each case represents a potential tragedy, often impacting the most vulnerable among us.  

“We cannot remain silent in the face of such a serious moral issue. No American should have their life taken from them due to errors in the justice system. We must end the federal death penalty and create a society that focuses on rehabilitation rather than retribution.”  

###