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Klobuchar: Secret Holds Have No Place in an Open, Transparent Democracy

April 23, 2010

Washington, DC – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar called for an end to the use of secret holds, a rule that prevents nominations and legislation from receiving a confirmation vote by the full Senate.  Currently, approximately 80 nominations are being blocked anonymously and without explanation. Klobuchar was joined on the floor by Senators Mark Udall (D-CO), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). 

“Nominees that have been voted out of their respective committees – even those that have been voted out with overwhelming support – are waiting months for a full vote on the Senate floor,” said Klobuchar.  “If delay was an Olympic sport, members who use secret holds would get a gold medal.”

Since President Obama took office, the Senate has voted on 49 nominations. Of those votes, 75 percent of the nominees that have been delayed and, on average, these nominations have been stalled for over 105 days.  Moreover, 33 out of 36 nominees were finally approved with overwhelming, bipartisan support. 

In her remarks, Klobuchar highlighted the ethics reform legislation that was passed in 2007 which, among other things, was designed to stop harmful procedural tactics like secret holds.  Klobuchar was a leader in helping pass the legislation, and despite provisions to promote transparency and accountability, senators continue to circumvent the rules and file anonymous holds.   

Klobuchar has also signed a letter to Senate leaders urging them to bring an end to the practice of permitting secret holds on legislation and nominations.   

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