ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 8159ProclamationG.W. Bush · R

Proclamation 8159

Grant of Executive Clemency

Democracy & GovernanceDemocracy & GovernanceOtherOther

In simple terms

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

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 72 FR 37095

    Federal Register PDF

  3. 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

What to expect

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