Senate bill would eliminate anonymous holds on legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C.–An amendment to the Defense Spending Authorization Bill that would prevent senators from anonymously placing holds on legislation was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate in late June. It now awaits passage of the spending bill to become an official Senate rule.

The amendment, sponsored by Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), would end a long-standing policy that allows lawmakers to place a “hold” on legislation or nominations to delay consideration of the measure. The proposed amendment would simply require senators to “disclose the objection or hold in the Congressional Record,” thus eliminating the system of anonymity.

According to Sen. Wyden’s office, a similar measure was passed last year but was omitted from the version of the spending bill that finally passed. Wyden said he and Sen. Grassley will keep working to ensure the amendment survives this time. (S. 2057)