Patti B. Saris

Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, a seven person commission charged with recommending a broad range of policies and standards for criminal sentencing nationwide. Its principal purpose are to establish sentencing policies and practices for the federal courts, to advise and assist Congress and the executive branch in the development of effective and efficient crime policy, and to collect, analyze, research, and distribute a broad array of information on federal crime and sentencing issues. National judicial issues work which started with Senator Edward Kennedy and the Judiciary Committee, continued as Chair of the Sentencing Commission, and exemplified recognized leadership within the federal Court system and Congress. Dealing with both the Senate and House of Representatives, has moved the Commission forward during a time of political stalemate in Washington, D.C.