News

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April 8, 2025

Press Releases

The Commission announces formation of two new advisory groups.

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March 6, 2025

Press Releases

Commission releases new report on overdoses in federal drug trafficking crimes.

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January 24, 2025

Press Releases

The Commission published another round of proposed amendments and issues for comment for the amendment cycle ending May...

Amendment Cycle

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December 19, 2024

Press Releases

The Commission published proposed amendments and issues for comment for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2025.

Amendment Cycle

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August 8, 2024

Press Releases

Embracing the public’s ideas to improve sentencing, Commission unanimously adopts policy priorities.

Amendment Cycle

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July 22, 2024

Press Releases

Commission releases interactive resources providing an overview of certain Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) programs.

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June 13, 2024

Press Releases

Commission releases new report on methamphetamine trafficking.

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April 17, 2024

Press Releases

Commission votes to promulgate amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines.

Amendment Cycle

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December 14, 2023

Press Releases

The Commission published proposed amendments and issues for comment for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2024.

Amendment Cycle

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November 14, 2023

Press Releases

Commission releases updated analysis of Demographic Differences in Federal Sentencing.

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September 19, 2023

Press Releases

Commission appoints Alan C. Dorhoffer as Director of Education and Sentencing Practice.

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August 24, 2023

Press Releases

Commissioners voted at a public meeting to allow delayed retroactive application of Amendment 821 relating to criminal...

Amendment Cycle

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July 17, 2023

Press Releases

Commission adds Daniel Park as Director of Technology.

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April 5, 2023

Press Releases

Equipped with a quorum for the first time since 2018, the bipartisan Commission voted today to promulgate amendments to...

Amendment Cycle

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Statements and Submissions

March 2023

A list of remarks, speeches, testimony, letters, and congressional submissions.

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News

January 12, 2023

Press Releases

The Commission published proposed amendments and issues for comment for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2023.

Amendment Cycle

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October 28, 2022

Press Releases

The Commission finalized policy priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2023.

Amendment Cycle

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October 12, 2022

Press Releases

The Commission released an analysis relating to the President's pardon of certain marijuana simple possession offenders.

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September 29, 2022

Press Releases

The Commission proposed policy priorities for the amendment cycle ending May 1, 2023.

Amendment Cycle

Proposed Priorities

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August 5, 2022

Press Releases

The Commission regains a quorum for the first time in three years, enabling it to amend federal sentencing guidelines...

Amendment Cycle

Proposed Priorities

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May 11, 2022

Press Releases

Honorable Charles R. Breyer, Acting Chair acknowledges nominations of individuals to serve on the Commission.

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March 10, 2022

Press Releases

Honorable Charles R. Breyer, Acting Chair issues statement on new Compassionate Release Report.

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January 12, 2022

Press Releases

Honorable Charles R. Breyer, Acting Chair acknowledges statement of Supreme Court Justices.

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August 3, 2021

Press Releases

Commission adds Jen Burita as Legislative Affairs Director.

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Newsletters

Newsletter

August 2021

The Commission periodically releases newsletters, providing information recent case law, current Commission activities...

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Topic

News

April 10, 2019

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission appoints James T. Strawley as Deputy Staff Director.

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December 13, 2018

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission proposes amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines, holds final public meeting of the...

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September 26, 2018

Press Releases

Commissioner Breyer selected as the recipient of the Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award, the nation’s highest...

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August 23, 2018

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission adopts 2018-2019 policy priorities. Press Release Unofficial Text of Final Priorities

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April 12, 2018

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission adopts 2018 amendments; new classes of synthetic drugs and increases to fentanyl penalties...

Amendment Cycle

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January 19, 2018

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission proposes package of synthetic drugs amendments; new classes of synthetic drugs and increases...

Amendment Cycle

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August 17, 2017

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission announces its list of 2017-2018 policy priorities, proposes "holdover" amendments.

Amendment Cycle

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July 11, 2017

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission releases new publication, 2017 Overview of Mandatory Minimum Penalties in the Federal...

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January 3, 2017

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission announces Circuit Judge William H. Pryor, Jr. will serve as Acting Chair of the Commission.

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December 9, 2016

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission holds last public meeting of the current commission, proposes 2017 amendments to the federal...

Amendment Cycle

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August 18, 2016

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission announces its list of 2016-2017 policy priorities.

Amendment Cycle

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July 28, 2016

Press Releases

Commission issues Report to the Congress: Career Offender Enhancements. Report analyzes career offenders’ prior criminal...

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April 15, 2016

Press Releases

Commission votes to promulgate amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines, including amendments to the immigration...

Amendment Cycle

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April 14, 2016

Press Releases

- In the News: New York Law Journal publishes editorial by Chief Judge Patti B. Saris, Chair of the U.S. Sentencing...

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March 9, 2016

Press Releases

- The Commission issues the first report on the results of its multi-year study on the recidivism of federal offenders...

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January 8, 2016

Press Releases

Commissioners voted at a public meeting to promulgate an amendment to the guideline definition of a "crime of violence."...

Amendment Cycle

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November 23, 2015

Press Releases

- Commission appoints Raquel K. Wilson as Director of the Office of Education and Sentencing Practice.

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November 18, 2015

Press Releases

- Honorable Patti B. Saris, Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission praises the House Judiciary Committee's action to...

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November 4, 2015

Press Releases

- In the News: National Review Online publishes editorial by Circuit Judge William H. Pryor, Jr. entitled, “Why We Were...

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November 2, 2015

Press Releases

- Commission adds Christine M. Leonard as Legislative and Public Affairs Director.

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October 22, 2015

Press Releases

- Honorable Patti B. Saris, Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission praises the Senate Judiciary Committee's action to...

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August 7, 2015

Press Releases

Commission proposes changes to existing guideline definitions of a "crime of violence," finalizes other priorities for...

Amendment Cycle

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August 3, 2015

Press Releases

– Five years after its enactment, the Commission submitted to Congress its report assessing the impact of the Fair...

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April 9, 2015

Press Releases

– Commission votes to promulgate amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines, including amendments to the economic...

Amendment Cycle

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February 27, 2015

Press Releases

- Commission announces formation of Tribal Issues Advisory Group.

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January 9, 2015

Press Releases

- Commissioners voted at a public meeting to publish proposed guideline amendments. Commission seeks comment on...

Amendment Cycle

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October 31, 2014

Press Releases

- Honorable Patti B. Saris, Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, comments on amendment reducing the drug guidelines...

Amendment Cycle

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October 28, 2014

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission releases video to aid federal crime victims. The video release commemorates the tenth...

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August 14, 2014

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission unanimously approved its list of 2014-2015 priorities, including consideration of federal...

Amendment Cycle

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July 18, 2014

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission unanimously votes to allow delayed retroactive reduction in drug trafficking sentences.

Amendment Cycle

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May 7, 2014

Press Releases

The Wall Street Journal published a letter to the editor from Chair Saris regarding Mortimer Zuckerman’s op-ed “Harsh...

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April 10, 2014

Press Releases

- Commission votes to reduce drug trafficking sentences.

Amendment Cycle

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January 30, 2014

Press Releases

– Chair Saris praises the Senate Judiciary Committee's action to report sentencing reform legislation to the full Senate...

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January 9, 2014

Press Releases

– The Commission votes to publish to the Federal Register proposed amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines.

Amendment Cycle

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October 7, 2013

Press Releases

– Commission names Kathleen Cooper Grilli new General Counsel.

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September 18, 2013

Press Releases

– The Commission submits a statement for the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled âReevaluating the Effectiveness...

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August 15, 2013

Press Releases

– The Commission adopts is policy priorities for the upcoming amendment cycle.

Amendment Cycle

Proposed Priorities

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June 10, 2013

Press Releases

– News Advisory: Comment of Judge Patti B. Saris on the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Peugh.

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June 7, 2013

Press Releases

– Senate confirms three Sentencing Commissioners; Rachel E. Barkow; Judge Charles R. Breyer; and Judge William H. Pryor...

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April 30, 2013

Press Releases

– The Commission names Kenneth P. Cohen Staff Director, Adds Noah D. Bookbinder as Legislative and Public Affairs...

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April 10, 2013

Press Releases

– The Commission adopted amendments enhancing sentences for theft of medical products and trade secrets, for trafficking...

Amendment Cycle

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March 5, 2013

Press Releases

– Commission's Staff Director Announces Retirement.

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February 27, 2013

Press Releases

– The Commission submitted to Congress its report examining penalties for child pornography offenses and recommendations...

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January 30, 2013

Press Releases

– The Commission submitted to Congress its report assessing the continuing impact of United States v. Booker on the...

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April 13, 2012

Press Releases

- Commission promulgates amendments for the 2011-2012 amendment cycle.

Amendment Cycle

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October 31, 2011

Press Releases

- Commission submits comprehensive report on mandatory minimum penalties to Congress.

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June 30, 2011

Press Releases

- Commission unanimously votes to apply proposed permanent amendment implementing the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010...

Amendment Cycle

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April 6, 2011

Press Releases

- Commission promulgates amendments for the 2010-2011 amendment cycle.

Amendment Cycle

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December 23, 2010

Press Releases

- On December 22, 2010, the United States Senate unanimously confirmed Judge Patti B. Saris of the District of...

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October 15, 2010

Press Releases

- Commission promulgates emergency, temporary amendment implementing the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010.

Amendment Cycle

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May 18, 2010

Press Releases

- Commission announces hearing on statutory mandatory minimum penalties and the federal sentencing system.

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April 19, 2010

Press Releases

- Commission votes to send to Congress guideline amendments providing more alternatives to incarceration, increasing...

Amendment Cycle

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February 16, 2010

Press Releases

- Ketanji Brown Jackson to Serve as Vice Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission.

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January 13, 2010

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission Seeks Comment on Alternatives to Incarceration, Specific Offender Characteristics Relevant...

Amendment Cycle

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December 16, 2009

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Appoints New Victims Advisory Group Chair and Members.

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November 13, 2009

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission to Hold Regional Public Hearing at University of Texas at Austin.

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October 21, 2009

Press Releases

- Chief Judge William K. Sessions III Confirmed as Chair of United States Sentencing Commission.

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May 22, 2009

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission to Hold Public Hearing at Stanford Law School.

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February 3, 2009

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission to Hold Public Hearing in Atlanta.

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January 13, 2009

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Ratifies Charter for Practitioners Advisory Group.

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January 13, 2009

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission to Conduct Regional Public Hearings on Federal Sentencing Policy.

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July 8, 2008

Press Releases

- Symposium on Alternatives to Incarceration to be held July 14–15.

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April 22, 2008

Press Releases

- The United States Sentencing Commission announces the formation of its standing “Victims Advisory Group”.

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December 11, 2007

Press Releases

- Commission Votes Unanimously to Apply Amendment Retroactively for Crack Cocaine Offenses; Effective Date for...

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April 27, 2007

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission votes to amend guidelines for Terrorism, Sex Offenses, Intellectual Property...

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March 1, 2007

Press Releases

- Senate Confirms Two Sentencing Commissioners: Ms. Beryl A. Howell Reconfirmed and Ms. Dabney Langhorne Friedrich...

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November 14, 2006

Press Releases

- News Advisory: Public Hearing on Cocaine and Federal Sentencing Policy.

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November 14, 2006

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission To Hold Public Hearing Tuesday On Cocaine and Sentencing Policy.

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August 31, 2006

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission votes to promulgate emergency guideline amendment regarding intellectual property crimes.

Amendment Cycle

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April 11, 2006

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission Votes To Amend Guidelines For Terrorism, Firearms, and Steroids.

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January 27, 2006

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission Seeks Comment on Sentencing Guidelines For Terrorism, Firearms, Steroids, and Immigration...

Amendment Cycle

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January 17, 2006

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission Names Judith Sheon as Staff Director.

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November 1, 2005

Press Releases

- Emergency Guideline Amendments on Obstruction of Justice and Intellectual Property Crimes Take Effect; Aggravated...

Amendment Cycle

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April 15, 2005

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Addresses Congressional Concerns On Antitrust and Identity Theft Offenses.

Amendment Cycle

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January 13, 2005

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission Chair Comments on High Court Ruling.

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November 23, 2004

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Issues 15 Year Study on Federal Sentencing.

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November 23, 2004

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Appointments Announced.

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August 4, 2004

Press Releases

- Hinojosa Named to Chair U.S. Sentencing Commission.

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May 3, 2004

Press Releases

- Commission Tightens Requirements for Corporate Compliance and Ethics Programs.

Amendment Cycle

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April 13, 2004

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Toughens Requirements for Corporate Compliance and Ethics Programs; Agency Also Announces...

Amendment Cycle

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March 22, 2004

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Targets Corrupt Public Officials; Agency Also Takes Aim at Portable Rockets and Missiles —...

Amendment Cycle

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January 29, 2004

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission Chair Diana E. Murphy Resigns; Transfer of Duties Expected to Go Smoothly.

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January 8, 2004

Press Releases

- Minnesota Attorney B. Todd Jones Singled out for Mention in Chief Justice's Report.

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October 8, 2003

Press Releases

- Panel on the Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations Issues Final Report.

Amendment Cycle

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October 8, 2003

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Acts to Reduce Number of Sentences Below the Guidelines.

Amendment Cycle

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June 26, 2003

Press Releases

- Hinojosa and Horowitz Named to Sentencing Commission.

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April 18, 2003

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Toughens Penalties for White Collar Fraudsters; Agency Also Boosts Penalties for Cybercrime and...

Amendment Cycle

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March 27, 2003

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Toughens Penalties for Terrorism, Oxycodone Trafficking, and Campaign Finance Offenses; Agency...

Amendment Cycle

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January 8, 2003

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Stiffens Penalties for White Collar Criminals.

Amendment Cycle

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May 22, 2002

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Reports on Cocaine Sentencing Policy.

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May 1, 2002

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Convenes Native American Ad Hoc Advisory Group.

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March 25, 2002

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission increases Penalties for Crimes Against Cultural Heritage.

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April 5, 2002

Press Releases

- Change In Federal Cocaine Sentencing Policy Recommended Findings To Be Submitted To Congress.

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February 21, 2002

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Convenes Organizational Guidelines Ad Hoc Advisory Group.

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October 10, 2001

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Seeks to Increase Penalties for Use of Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Weapon.

Amendment Cycle

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April 16, 2001

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Increases Penalties for High Dollar Fraud Offenders, Sexual Predators, and Ecstasy Traffickers...

Amendment Cycle

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March 1, 2001

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Seeks to Increase Penalties for Counterfeiting and Amphetamine Offenses; Agency Also Implements...

Amendment Cycle

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January 22, 2001

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission Names Charles R. Tetzlaff as General Counsel.

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April 4, 2000

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Toughens Penalties Against Internet Pirates and Sexual Predators Targeting Children.

Amendment Cycle

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November 12, 1999

Press Releases

- Judge Murphy Named to Chair United States Sentencing Commission – Seven New Commissioners Confirmed.

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September 28, 1998

Press Releases

Amendment Cycle

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August 28, 1998

Press Releases

- Chairman Richard P. Conaboy Resigns Post.

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August 28, 1998

Press Releases

- Timothy McGrath Named Interim Staff Director.

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August 17, 1998

Press Releases

- Telemarketing Fraud and Economic Crime Package.

Amendment Cycle

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May 1, 1997

Press Releases

- Methamphetamine Penalties.

Amendment Cycle

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April 29, 1997

Press Releases

- Cocaine Sentencing Recommendations.

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April 25, 1997

Press Releases

- Flunitrazepam – “Date Rape” Drug.

Amendment Cycle

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July 22, 1996

Press Releases

- Public Hearing on Guideline Simplification.

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April 30, 1996

Press Releases

- Child Sex Offense Penalties.

Amendment Cycle

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March 11, 1996

Press Releases

- Public Hearing – Amendments.

Amendment Cycle

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February 14, 1996

Press Releases

- Child Sex Offenses – Public Comment.

Amendment Cycle