News Release
January 30, 2026
Press@ussc.gov
U.S. SENTENCING COMMISSION INVITES COMMENT ON
ADDITIONAL PROPOSED UPDATES TO THE GUIDELINES MANUAL
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the United States Sentencing Commission published three sets of proposed amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2026 (watch the meeting). These proposals are in addition to several issued in December 2025 and reflect the Commission’s ongoing work to provide more fairness in federal sentencing, reduce sentencing disparity, and promote public safety. Today’s proposals reflect the latest research and data regarding sentencing and rely on significant feedback from stakeholders including federal judges, academics, federal public defenders, Department of Justice officials, advocacy organizations, victims of crime, incarcerated individuals and their families.
The first set of proposals issued today aim to provide enhanced penalties that better reflect the harms of certain human smuggling offenses. The second set of proposals aim to provide courts with additional guidance on selecting the appropriate sentencing options, such as imprisonment and its alternatives. The final set of proposals aim to promote more uniform application of the career offender guideline and resolve related circuit conflicts.
Beyond these proposals, the Commission is continuing to work to implement directives from Congress issued this amendment cycle.
The Commission invites comment on these proposals through March 18, 2026. A public hearing will be scheduled for February 17, 2026. Official text of proposed amendments and issues for comment will also be published in a forthcoming edition of the Federal Register and will be placed on the Commission’s website.
The Commission’s public comment period for proposed amendments issued in December 2025 will remain open until February 10, 2026.
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