You just cannot allow old rules to be so twisted by new norms and a culture of permissiveness that really damage our capacity to govern.
The secret holds a courtesy granted to Senators at the expense of our democracy.
Holds... have become epidemic in the Senate.
Republicans say, 'We have no choice but to delay, unless we are allowed the opportunity to offer amendments.'
The confirmation process is not the sole source of delay in filling executive or judicial positions.
I recommend against giving a hold a formal standing in the rules. I think that would do real damage.
Democrats say, 'It is delay, delay, delay, even over trivial things.'
This is a political era where I think it is obvious that secret holds have been used by both sides of the aisle as a political tool.
The time required for a typical confirmation... has steadily grown over the last three decades.
I think your best--there are two things you can do.
It is ingenious, and many people say, well, if you are going to filibuster, you ought to get up there and be required to talk about it.