ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 8159ProclamationG.W. Bush · R

Proclamation 8159

Grant of Executive Clemency

President George W. Bush commuted Lewis Libby's 30-month prison sentence for perjury and obstruction convictions, effective immediately, while leaving intact the $250,000 fine, two-year supervised release, and $400 special assessment. This executive clemency action reduced but did not eliminate the punishment imposed by the federal court.

Federal Register Open PDF 72 FR 37095

Impact dates

  1. Prison term commutation takes effect

Key directives

  • Commute prison terms imposed upon Lewis Libby to expire immediately
  • Leave intact and in effect the two-year term of supervised release with all conditions
  • Leave intact all other components of the sentence including fine and special assessment

Timeline

Immediate

  • Prison term commuted to expire immediately upon signing

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Controversial use of clemency power in high-profile political case involving vice president's chief of staff
  • Perception of preferential treatment for executive branch ally
  • Partial commutation structure (prison only) unusual—leaves fine and supervised release intact
Proclamation 8159: Grant of Executive Clemency · Executive Orders