President Biden's extensive use of presidential pardons, including for family members and controversial figures, has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and the public. Over 3,000 individuals received pardons or commutations, culminating in a final wave that included James, Hunter, and Valerie Biden. Weeks prior, a record 1,500 commutations were granted in a single day, notably involving disgraced Pennsylvania Judge Michael Conahan, known for the "kids for cash" scandal.

Pennsylvania Senator Lisa Baker criticized the pardon of Conahan as disrespectful to victims and those working to reform the justice system. She and other lawmakers are highlighting the voluntary nature of victim notification processes, where victims must actively register to receive updates on convicts' status. Representative Dan Meuser expressed concern over preemptive pardons granted to Biden's family and Trump critics, suggesting they imply an admission of guilt and set a dangerous precedent. He noted the constitutional limitations on Congress's ability to intervene in presidential pardons.

Representative Rob Bresnahan, who flipped Biden's home district, echoed these concerns, expressing disappointment but not surprise at the pardons. While legal avenues for recourse are limited, Senator Baker is involved in legislative efforts to remove Biden's name from the "President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Expressway" in his hometown. This push follows public outcry over the pardons, particularly that of Conahan, which Baker believes has tarnished Biden's legacy. She advocates for renaming the expressway in honor of someone more deserving.