Senate Policy on "Holds": Action in the 110th Congress (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised March 14, 2008 |
| Report Number |
RL34255 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Walter Oleszek, Government and Finance Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Premium Nov. 20, 2007 (15 pages, $24.95)
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Summary:
When the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (S. 1, 110th Congress)was signed into law on September 14, 2007, Section 512 of that statute specificallyaddressed the issue of secret "holds." Holds are a longstanding custom of the Senatethat enabled Members to provide notice to their party leader of their intent to objecton the floor to taking up or passing a measure or matter. Their potency as a blocking,delaying, or bargaining device is linked to Senators' ability to conduct filibusters orobject to unanimous consent agreements or requests. The new holds process outlinedin Section 512 is designed to constrain the frequency of anonymous holds andpromote more openness and transparency with respect to their use. Ultimately, it isup to the majority leader of the Senate - who sets the chamber's agenda afterconsulting various people - to decide whether, or for how long, he will honor acolleague's hold.
