News Release
August 27, 2026
Press@ussc.gov
U.S. SENTENCING COMMISSION VOTES TO PRIORITIZE REVIEW OF
FEDERAL SENTENCING PRACTICES AND ITS POLICYMAKING PROCEDURES
Commission Also Votes to Implement SAFER SKIES Act Directive
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― Today, the bipartisan U.S. Sentencing Commission unanimously voted to adopt priorities for the 2026-2027 policymaking cycle (watch the meeting). Those priorities include implementing new laws and resolving circuit conflicts regarding the sentencing guidelines. The Commission will also prioritize evaluating the guidelines and federal sentencing practices in light of the Commission’s mission set forth in the Sentencing Reform Act, including by holding regional public meetings to gather feedback on the federal sentencing system. (Federal Register Notice of Final Priorities)
The Commission’s priorities also include evaluating its internal policymaking procedures. As an initial step in that process, the Commission voted to publish for comment changes to its Rules of Practice and Procedure that aim to make the agency’s work more effective, open, and participatory. ("Reader-Friendly" Version of Proposed Rules Amendment)
Finally, the Commission voted to implement a directive within the SAFER SKIES Act which provides for enhanced penalties for certain offenses involving unmanned aircraft. Absent congressional action to the contrary, these new sentencing guideline provisions will become effective March 15, 2027. ("Reader-Friendly" Version of Amendment)
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