Walter B. Jones: “before President Bush leaves office next week, he has the power to correct a terrible injustice. Over the past 2 years…”

“before President Bush leaves office next week, he has the power to correct a terrible injustice. Over the past 2 years, Members of Congress have written to the President, as a group and individually, asking him to commute the sentences of imprisoned U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean. It is well known that these border agents were convicted and sentenced to 11 and 12 years in prison for shooting and wounding a Mexican drug smuggler who brought $1 million worth of marijuana across the U.S. border in 2005. This Saturday, January 17 of 2009, will mark the beginning of the agents' 3rd year in Federal prison. On November 24, 2008, President Bush granted 14 pardons and two commutations. Clemency was granted to individuals convicted of crimes such as drug conspiracy, tax evasion, poisoning bald eagles, dumping hazardous waste, bank embezzlement, and theft of government property. On December 22, 2008, the President issued 19 additional pardons and one commutation. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, Ramos and Compean have not made the list.”