The United States Sentencing Commission is an independent agency of the judicial branch of the U.S. federal government.

[1] The constitutionality of the commission was challenged as a congressional encroachment on the power of the executive but upheld by the Supreme Court in Mistretta v. United States, 488 U.S. 361 (1989).

Sentencing Commission was established by Congress as a permanent, independent agency within the judicial branch.

[1] The Commission requires a quorum of at least four voting members in order to promulgate amendments to the Sentencing Guidelines.

"[17] The Commission voted to make the Amendment retroactive on July 18, 2014, "thereby allowing eligible offenders serving a previously imposed term of imprisonment to file a motion under 18 U.S.C.

[21] In response to the change, senators, in a bipartisan effort, are attempting to reduce minimum sentences for these offenses.

[23] On April 20, 2009, President Barack Obama nominated William K. Sessions III, of Vermont, to be Chair of the Commission.

[31] On January 17, 2017, President Barack Obama nominated Charles R. Breyer for reappointment and Danny C. Reeves as a Commissioner.