Commission Chair to Resign

As The Third Branch went to press, the U.S. Sentencing Commission announced that its chair, Judge Richard P. Conaboy, would resign effective October 31, 1998. Conaboy’s decision allows the President to appoint a full slate of commissioners to the seven-member Commission.

“My leaving at this juncture ultimately is in the best interests of the Commission,” Conaboy said in a statement. “Both sentencing policy and the operation of the Commission are better served if the incoming commissioners are accompanied by a new chairman. Otherwise, the very important work of the Commission is disrupted by my departure a year or so into the new commissioners’ terms. . . .My only regret is that I won’t be working as closely with so many people I have come to respect and admire. I have no regrets about the work we have accomplished.” Conaboy strongly urged that all vacancies be filled immediately, so there will be no interruption of the Commission’s work.

Conaboy was confirmed as chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission on October 6, 1994. He also serves as district judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.