Hold (Senate Hold)
A Senate hold is an informal communication to Senate leaders that a senator would object to a request for unanimous consent to take up or approve a measure or nomination. Because unanimous consent can expedite Senate business, a hold can affect scheduling; the majority leader decides whether to honor it, and the Senate can use other procedures to proceed without unanimous consent.
A Senate hold is an informal communication to Senate leaders that a senator would object to a request for unanimous consent to take up or approve a measure or nomination. Because unanimous consent can expedite Senate business, a hold can affect scheduling; the majority leader decides whether to honor it, and the Senate can use other procedures to proceed without unanimous consent.
Example: The Obama White House reported that Senator Richard Shelby had placed a blanket hold on all nominees, including national security nominees, and was holding up 70 nominees.
Common misconception: A hold is not a binding veto that automatically bars the Senate from proceeding. The Senate can pursue a nomination without unanimous consent, although doing so can require additional floor procedures and time.
Sources: CRS, “Holds” in the Senate; CRS, Holds on Nominations; The White House, “Another Day, Another Disappointing Political Ploy Obstructing Progress”