What might 2009 have in store for . . . the US Sentencing Commission?

I return to my 2009 "what's in store" series with a focus on the US Sentencing Commission, inspired by the fact that the USSC has its first public meeting of the year tomorrow morning.  As detailed in this official announcement, on the agenda is "Possible Votes to Publish Guideline Amendments and Issues for Comment."  I really have no idea what to expect for proposed guideline amendments, though I expect (and fear) that relatively technical concerns rather than any big bold initiatives will continue to dominate the Commission's work in near future.

That all said, the times are likely soon to be a-changing for the US Sentencing Commission.  It is my understanding from various reliable sources that there will be a new chair for the Commission in the months ahead (even though Judge Ricardo Hinojosa was confirmed in November to serve another term as a Commissioner).  In addition, back in November the Senate confirmed William Carr to start a term as a new Commissioner of the USSC (replacing the now retired John Steer). 

Of course, the new make-up of the USSC is not quite as dramatic as other changes in government personnel this month in DC.  And yet, a new President and new leadership throughout the executive branch (and especially at the Justice Department) will certainly have a profound echo effect inside the nation's one judicial branch agency.  Also, with Senator Jim Webb and perhaps other members of Congress eager to keep talking about sentencing reform, and with federal judges (including SCOTUS Justices) still working through all the implications of Booker, the US Sentencing Commission will surely have plenty to keep it busy throughout 2009.

Some related posts about the US Sentencing Commission:

• The revised make-up of the US Sentencing Commission
• Might the US Sentencing Commission have any notable guideline amendments in the works?
• Why federal sentencing reformers must focus on the USSC and lower courts
• How a new administration is likely to impact federal sentencing practice
• Are we on the verge of a new changed era concerning federal sentencing law and policy?
• What does the future hold for the US Sentencing Commission?
• Why we need a re-entry czar and a task force on the prison economy
• Senator Jim Webb continues his important campaign for serious sentencing and prison reforms

Other posts so far in the 2009 "what's in store" series:

• What might 2009 have in store for . . . executive clemency?
• . . . the federal judiciary and its criminal caseload?
• . . . the death penalty in the US?
• . . . punishment theory and incarceration rates?
• . . . Second Amendment jurisprudence?
• . . . sex offender law and policy? 
• . . . drug sentencing law and policy?