September 2026
(September 2026) These retroactivity reports present data on either: 1) the potential impact of retroactive application...
Drugs
Drugs
Primer
June 2026
This primer provides an overview of the statutes, sentencing guidelines, and case law applicable to federal drug...
Quick Facts
May 2026
Quick Facts
May 2026
Quick Facts
May 2026
Quick Facts
May 2026
Quick Facts
May 2026
Quick Facts
May 2026
Quick Facts
May 2026
Quick Facts
May 2026
Quick Facts
May 2026
May 2026
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
The Commission delivered to Congress amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines on April 30, 2026 (effective...
May 2026
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
May 2026
An overview of the Commission's work on drug offenses during the 2025-2026 amendment year.
December 2025
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
The Commission published proposed amendments for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2026. Federal Register Notice
Press Releases
The Commission published proposed amendments and issues for comment for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2026.
Amendment Cycle
Crime Victims Fact Sheet
October 2025
Press Releases
Commission votes to adopt policy priorities.
Amendment Cycle
August 2025
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
The Commission published final priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2026. Federal Register Notice
Commissioners received testimony from invited witnesses concerning methamphetamine.
Commissioners received testimony concerning whether to designate as retroactive certain 2025 amendments to the federal...
Quick Facts
June 2025
June 2025
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
The Commission seeks comment on proposed priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2026. Public comment should be...
Comment from May 1, 2025
May 2025
Summary
The Commission received comment on Fentanyl, Fentanyl Analogues, and Other Opioids
April 2025
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
The Commission delivered to Congress amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines on April 30, 2025 (effective...
April 2025
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
March 2025
(March 2025) In 2025, the Commission completed a study of federal drug trafficking offenses that involved an overdose.
Press Releases
Commission releases new report on overdoses in federal drug trafficking crimes.
Report-At-A-Glance
March 2025
In 2025, the U.S. Sentencing Commission completed a study of federal drug trafficking offenses that involved an overdose...
January 2025
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
The Commission published proposed amendments for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2025. Federal Register Notice
Press Releases
The Commission published another round of proposed amendments and issues for comment for the amendment cycle ending May...
Amendment Cycle
Commissioners received testimony concerning whether to designate as retroactive certain 2024 amendments to the federal...
Press Releases
Commission releases new report on methamphetamine trafficking.
April 2024
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Press Releases
Equipped with a quorum for the first time since 2018, the bipartisan Commission voted today to promulgate amendments to...
Amendment Cycle
February 2023
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
The Commission published proposed amendments for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2023. Federal Register Notice
Data Briefing
January 2023
This data briefing is intended to inform public comment on a proposed amendment. Deadline: March 14, 2023.
Press Releases
The Commission published proposed amendments and issues for comment for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2023.
Amendment Cycle
January 2023
(January 2023) This publication assesses recent trends in federal sentencing for simple possession of marijuana, as well...
Press Releases
The Commission released an analysis relating to the President's pardon of certain marijuana simple possession offenders.
June 2022
(June 2022) This report is the sixth in a series continuing the Commission’s study of the recidivism of federal...
Report-At-A-Glance
June 2022
This handout presents a brief overview of the Commission's 2022 reports, Recidivism and Federal Bureau of Prisons...
May 2022
(May 2022) This report is the fifth in a series continuing the Commission’s study of the recidivism of federal offenders...
January 2022
(January 2022) This report is the third in a series continuing the Commission’s research of the recidivism of federal...
Report-At-A-Glance
May 2021
This infographic presents an overview of the Commission's series of reports on mandatory minimum penalties. The...
March 2021
(March 2021) This report provides information on offenders sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
January 2021
(January 2021) This report examines the relatively new and emerging problem of fentanyl and fentanyl analogue...
December 2020
(December 2020) This report updates the 2012 Booker Report’s examination of the influence of the guidelines on the...
August 2020
(August 2020) With a full year of data now available since the passage of the First Step Act of 2018, the Commission...
Report-At-A-Glance
August 2020
This infographic presents an overview of the Commission's 2020 report, The First Step Act of 2018: One Year of...
Report-At-A-Glance
August 2020
This infographic presents an overview of the Commission's 2020 report, Retroactivity and Recidivism: The Drugs Minus Two...
July 2020
(July 2020) This publication analyzes recidivism rates among drug offenders who were released immediately before and...
August 2018
Summary
The Commission received comment on proposed priorities for the 2018 - 2019 amendment year (ending May 1, 2019).
July 2018
(July 2018) This publication examines the application and impact of the statutory penalty enhancement for federal drug...
Report-At-A-Glance
July 2018
This handout presents an overview of the Commission's 2018 report, Application and Impact of 21 U.S.C. § 851: Enhanced...
June 2018
The Commission has proposed priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2019 and has requested public comment...
May 2018
(May 2018) For the first time, this report provides complete information on the number of convictions and types of...
May 2018
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
The Commission submitted to Congress amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines with an effective date of November...
Press Releases
U.S. Sentencing Commission adopts 2018 amendments; new classes of synthetic drugs and increases to fentanyl penalties...
Amendment Cycle
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
A public meeting of the Commission was held on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. (ET) pursuant to Rule 3.2 of the...
April 2018
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
March 2018
(March 2018) This publication analyzes recidivism among crack cocaine offenders who were released early after...
March 2018
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
Summary
The Commission received reply comment on proposed amendments related to synthetic drugs. (83 FR 3869)
March 2018
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
Summary
The Commission received comment on proposed amendments related to synthetic drugs. (83 FR 3869)
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
A public hearing was held on March 14, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. (ET) to receive testimony on proposed amendments related to...
Data Briefing
January 2018
This data briefing is intended to inform public comment on a proposed amendment. Deadline: March 6, 2018.
January 2018
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
The Commission has proposed amendments to the guidelines and has requested public comment. Public comment will be...
Press Releases
U.S. Sentencing Commission proposes package of synthetic drugs amendments; new classes of synthetic drugs and increases...
Amendment Cycle
Video
January 2018
On January 19, 2018, the Commission held a public meeting and voted to publish additional proposed amendments to the...
January 2018
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
A public hearing was held to receive testimony on fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and synthetic cannabinoids.
November 2017
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
Summary
The Commission received comment on fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. (82 FR 47322)
Report-At-A-Glance
November 2017
This handout presents an overview of the Commission's 2017 report, Mandatory Minimum Penalties for Drug Offenses in the...
October 2017
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
Summary
The Commission received comment on Synthetic Cathinones, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Synthetic Cannabinoids. (82 FR...
October 2017
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
The Commission is seeking comment on a policy priority pertaining to fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. Public comment...
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
A public hearing was held to receive testimony on synthetic cathinones.
October 2017
(October 2017) Using fiscal year 2016 data, this publication includes analysis similar to that in the 2017 Overview...
Video
October 2017
On October 4, 2017, the Commission received testimony from experts on synthetic cathinones, including their chemical...
September 2017
(September 2017) This report analyzes sentence commutations granted under the 2014 Clemency Initiative. The Commission...
August 2017
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
The Commission is seeking comment on a policy priority pertaining to synthetic cathinones, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...
August 2017
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
The Commission has finalized policy priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2018. 82 FR 39949
Press Releases
U.S. Sentencing Commission announces its list of 2017-2018 policy priorities, proposes "holdover" amendments.
Amendment Cycle
August 2017
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
Video
August 2017
On August 17, 2017, the Commission held a public meeting to finalize priorities for the 2017-2018 amendment year. The...
June 2017
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
The Commission is requesting public comment on issues related to MDMA/Ecstasy and methylone. Public comment should be...
June 2017
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
The Commission has proposed priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2018 and has requested public comment...
Report-At-A-Glance
May 2017
This handout presents an overview of the Commission's report, Weighing the Charges: Simple Possession of Drugs in the...
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
A public hearing was held to receive testimony on synthetic drugs and alternatives to incarceration court programs.
Video
April 2017
On April 18, 2017, the Commission received testimony on alternatives to incarceration programs in the federal court...
February 2017
(February 2017) This report examines a group of 10,888 federal drug trafficking offenders who were released in calendar...
December 2016
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
The Commission has proposed amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines and has requested public comment. Public...
December 2016
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
The Commission is seeking comment on a policy priority pertaining to MDMA/Ecstasy, synthetic cannabinoids, and synthetic...
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
Commissioners voted to publish proposed amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines.
Press Releases
U.S. Sentencing Commission holds last public meeting of the current commission, proposes 2017 amendments to the federal...
Amendment Cycle
December 2016
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
September 2016
(September 2016) The number of federal offenders whose most serious offense was simple drug possession increased nearly...
Press Releases
U.S. Sentencing Commission announces its list of 2016-2017 policy priorities.
Amendment Cycle
August 2016
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
After reviewing public comment, the Commission has identified its policy priorities for the upcoming amendment cycle...
June 2016
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
The Commission is seeking comment on possible priority policy issues for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2017 (81 FR...
Press Releases
- Honorable Patti B. Saris, Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission praises the House Judiciary Committee's action to...
Press Releases
- Honorable Patti B. Saris, Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission praises the Senate Judiciary Committee's action to...
Press Releases
– Five years after its enactment, the Commission submitted to Congress its report assessing the impact of the Fair...
August 2015
(August 2015) The Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 (FSA) reduced the statutory penalties for crack cocaine offenses to...
June 2015
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
The Commission is seeking comment on possible priority policy issues for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2016 (80 FR...
April 2015
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
April 2015
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Press Releases
– Commission votes to promulgate amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines, including amendments to the economic...
Amendment Cycle
January 2015
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
Press Releases
- Commissioners voted at a public meeting to publish proposed guideline amendments. Commission seeks comment on...
Amendment Cycle
January 2015
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
Press Releases
- Honorable Patti B. Saris, Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, comments on amendment reducing the drug guidelines...
Amendment Cycle
August 2014
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
July 2014
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Press Releases
- U.S. Sentencing Commission unanimously votes to allow delayed retroactive reduction in drug trafficking sentences.
Amendment Cycle
July 2014
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
June 2014
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
May 2014
This publication provides an updated recidivism analysis of crack cocaine offenders who were released early after...
April 2014
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
April 2014
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Press Releases
- Commission votes to reduce drug trafficking sentences.
Amendment Cycle
January 2014
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
Press Releases
– The Commission votes to publish to the Federal Register proposed amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines.
Amendment Cycle
January 2014
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
August 2013
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
Press Releases
– The Commission adopts is policy priorities for the upcoming amendment cycle.
Amendment Cycle
Press Releases
– The Commission adopted amendments enhancing sentences for theft of medical products and trade secrets, for trafficking...
Amendment Cycle
January 2013
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
January 2013
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
May 2012
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
April 2012
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Press Releases
- Commission promulgates amendments for the 2011-2012 amendment cycle.
Amendment Cycle
January 2012
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
January 2012
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
September 2011
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
July 2011
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
June 2011
This document provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Commission's decision to give...
Press Releases
- Commission unanimously votes to apply proposed permanent amendment implementing the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010...
Amendment Cycle
June 2011
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
June 2011
Data on Retroactive Application of the 2007 Crack Cocaine Amendment A set of tables presenting data on cases in which a...
May 2011
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
April 2011
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Press Releases
- Commission promulgates amendments for the 2010-2011 amendment cycle.
Amendment Cycle
January 2011
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
January 2011
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
January 2011
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
October 2010
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
October 2010
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Press Releases
- Commission promulgates emergency, temporary amendment implementing the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010.
Amendment Cycle
September 2010
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
September 2010
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
September 2010
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
January 2010
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
September 2009
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
June 2009
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
May 2009
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
May 2009
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
March 2009
This report provides an analysis of the role of convictions for prior minor offenses in the sentences of federal...
January 2009
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
January 2009
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
September 2008
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
August 2008
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
May 2008
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
April 2008
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
March 2008
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
January 2008
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
Press Releases
- Commission Votes Unanimously to Apply Amendment Retroactively for Crack Cocaine Offenses; Effective Date for...
September 2007
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
July 2007
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
BAC/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United States...
June 2007
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
BAC/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United States...
May 2007
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
May 2007
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Press Releases
- United States Sentencing Commission votes to amend guidelines for Terrorism, Sex Offenses, Intellectual Property...
January 2007
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
January 2007
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
January 2007
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Press Releases
- News Advisory: Public Hearing on Cocaine and Federal Sentencing Policy.
Press Releases
- United States Sentencing Commission To Hold Public Hearing Tuesday On Cocaine and Sentencing Policy.
September 2006
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
August 2006
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
May 2006
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
May 2006
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Press Releases
- U.S. Sentencing Commission Votes To Amend Guidelines For Terrorism, Firearms, and Steroids.
March 2006
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
January 2006
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
Press Releases
- U.S. Sentencing Commission Seeks Comment on Sentencing Guidelines For Terrorism, Firearms, Steroids, and Immigration...
Amendment Cycle
January 2006
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
August 2005
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
January 2005
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
September 2004
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
June 2004
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
May 2004
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
April 2004
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
January 2004
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
January 2004
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
December 2003
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
September 2003
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
May 2003
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Press Releases
- Sentencing Commission Toughens Penalties for Terrorism, Oxycodone Trafficking, and Campaign Finance Offenses; Agency...
Amendment Cycle
January 2003
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
September 2002
Amendment Cycle
Final Priorities
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
June 2002
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
Press Releases
- Sentencing Commission Reports on Cocaine Sentencing Policy.
May 2002
The purpose of this report is to contribute to the ongoing assessment of federal cocaine sentencing policy by Congress...
Press Releases
- Change In Federal Cocaine Sentencing Policy Recommended Findings To Be Submitted To Congress.
January 2002
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
June 2001
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
May 2001
This report is submitted pursuant to section 3663(e) of the Ecstasy Anti-Proliferation Act of 2000. Congress directed...
May 2001
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
Press Releases
- Sentencing Commission Increases Penalties for High Dollar Fraud Offenders, Sexual Predators, and Ecstasy Traffickers...
Amendment Cycle
Press Releases
- Sentencing Commission Seeks to Increase Penalties for Counterfeiting and Amphetamine Offenses; Agency Also Implements...
Amendment Cycle
January 2001
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
January 2001
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
January 2001
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
Adopted Amendments
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
January 2001
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
December 2000
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
May 2000
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
May 2000
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Press Releases
- Sentencing Commission Toughens Penalties Against Internet Pirates and Sexual Predators Targeting Children.
Amendment Cycle
January 2000
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
January 2000
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Final Priorities
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
November 1999
This is the Final Report of the informal Methamphetamine Policy Team regarding implementation of the Methamphetamine...
January 1999
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
BAC2210-40/2211-01 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts AGENCY: United...
Press Releases
- Methamphetamine Penalties.
Amendment Cycle
Press Releases
- Flunitrazepam – “Date Rape” Drug.
Amendment Cycle
April 1997
Summary In response to directive by Congress, the Commission again has deliberated carefully over federal cocaine...
March 1997
In this study, more than 1,700 citizens throughout the U.S. provided their opinions on "just punishment" and crime...
February 1997
Amendment Cycle
Adopted Amendments
Proposed Amendments
BAC2210-40 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION SENTENCING GUIDELINES FOR UNITED STATES COURTS AGENCY:United States...
January 1997
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Amendments
BAC2210-40 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION SENTENCING GUIDELINES FOR UNITED STATES COURTS (NOTE DATE CHANGE FOR...
July 1996
Amendment Cycle
Proposed Priorities
BAC2210-40 UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts Agency: United States...
Press Releases
- Child Sex Offenses – Public Comment.
Amendment Cycle
May 1995
This is the United States Sentencing Commission’s first report to Congress on the subject of federal cocaine sentencing...
Sensible Sentencing Reform: The 2014 Drug Guidelines Amendment This document provides background information on the...
Sensible Sentencing Reform: The Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 This document provides background information on the impact...