Bill Clinton pardon controversy

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton was criticized for some of his pardons and acts of executive clemency. Clinton issued 140 pardons as well as several commutations on his last day of office, January 20, 2001. On August 11, 1999, Clinton commuted the sentences of 16 members of FALN.

About Bill Clinton pardon controversy in brief

Summary Bill Clinton pardon controversyFormer U.S. President Bill Clinton was criticized for some of his pardons and acts of executive clemency. Clinton issued 140 pardons as well as several commutations on his last day of office, January 20, 2001. On August 11, 1999, Clinton commuted the sentences of 16 members of FALN, a Puerto Rican paramilitary organization that set off 120 bombs in the United States. Congress condemned this action by President Clinton, with votes of 95–2 in the Senate and 311–41 in the House.

In March 2000, Bill Clinton pardoned Edgar and Vonna Jo Gregory, owners of the carnival company United Shows International, for charges of bank fraud. Although the couple had already been released from prison, the prior conviction prevented them from doing business in certain American states.