Put an End to Secret Holds

Statement

There's no clearer example of a broken Washington than the secret hold. Secret holds allow one single Senator to block bills and nominations in the Senate anonymously and without explanation. The Senate Rules Committee recently took up the issue of whether to bring an end to secret holds, something I've been pushing for since earlier this year.

My proposal would go even further than the bill currently before the Rules Committee and is part of my Plan for Washington Reform. In addition to ending secret holds, my proposal would place time limits on holds and create a requirement that, after two days, holds must be bipartisan and a matter of public record in order to remain legitimate.

People in Washington talk about the importance of doing the country's business. But when the cameras are off, one Senator can bring progress to a screeching halt by using a secret hold. One Senator can block important policies and reforms that help Colorado families, including creating jobs, fixing our broken immigration system and breaking our reliance on dirty fossil fuels. It's time for talk to become action. It's time to fundamentally change the way Washington does business. I hope the Senate will enact my Plan for Washington Reform and put an end to the undemocratic practice of secret holds.

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