The United States Sentencing Commission is an independent agency of the judicial branch of the federal government of the United States. The commission is responsible for articulating sentencing guidelines for the United States federal courts. The guidelines are intended to promote transparency and fairness in sentencing, while also ensuring that the punishment fits the crime. The commission is composed of seven voting members, who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The current chair of the commission is Judge William H. Pryor Jr.