Chris Dodd: “I understand this amendment requires public disclosure of certain holds--namely, those that rise to the level of…”

“I understand this amendment requires public disclosure of certain holds--namely, those that rise to the level of expressing an intent to object to proceeding to a measure or matter. Any such objection would have to be submitted in writing and disclosed in the Congressional Record and printed in the Senate calendar of business. Quite frankly, if a Member's objection rises to that level, it is probably appropriate to publicly disclose such. But the term ``hold'' is used to apply to a much broader form of communication between Members and the leader. A hold is generally considered to be any communication in which a Member expresses an interest in specific legislation and requests that the Member be consulted or advised before any agreement is entered with regard to the issue. In that sense, a hold is a Senate mode of communication, rather than a procedural prerogative, and when used to communicate a Member's interest in a matter, it is more of an informal bargaining tactic, not an intent to derail or delay consideration of a measure. Such informal communication is not only important to the workings of this body, but it facilitates the development of unanimous consent requests and facilitates the consideration of legislation. In some respects, such informal holds act much like the Rules Committee proceedings in the House whereby Members present their position with regard to offering amendments to legislation.…”