I certainly favor some kind of a mixed package that, on the one hand, limits debate at least on some motions.

The threat of a filibuster has become so common and constant.

I particularly want to thank our first panels, Senator Harkin and Senator Udall, who have been very active in this issue for agreeing to be witnesses here today.

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.

There are abuses on both sides, and we tend to focus on some and you tend to focus on others.

the place is broken and we ought to fix it without a mind to what particular ascendency each party has.

Senator Bennet's resolution is also extremely interesting, and he has worked long and hard on this issue for much of the time since he has been here.

We must do better than this, and I believe that we can.

Again, these are very interesting ideas. I know you, Senator Bennet, have been pushing this for a long time.

It is the Senate where the Founding Fathers established a repository of checks and balances.

Senator Byrd complained about lobbyists walking into senators' offices and asking them to place holds on bills.

It is time to consider the reforms that have been suggested by Senator Harkin.

I indict both parties for this conduct. It is not just the Republican Party that is now in the Minority.

I think your best--there are two things you can do.

I hope these rules will be ready for adoption at least by the beginning of the next session.

I do believe there are enormous problems in enforcing any kind of a prohibition on secret holds.

Obviously, if we had bipartisan consensus, we wouldn't have to debate whether we need 67, 60, or a majority.

Well, thank you. And thank you both. Excellent testimony.

The public's business ought to be public.

I want to thank Senator Bennett, who has been a great partner in running constructive, thoughtful, non-partisan hearings.

the Senate's leadership should have the authority, sustained by a majority and a ruling of the presiding officer, if necessary, to bring nominations to the Senate.

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 filling of the tree basically cuts off the Minority rights in a most intemperate and inappropriate way

These numbers, Mr. Chairman, demonstrate the level of cooperation in the House has dropped precipitously, if not off the cliff.

We will continue on the subject including getting to more specific proposals Senator Udall and others have those for future hearings.