Tester: Secret hold ban ‘cleans the gunk out of the gears’

Senator championed rule change for better transparency and accountability

(U.S. SENATE) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement after the Senate overwhelmingly voted to ban the practice of secret holds, which allow Senators to anonymously block legislation or a nominee without explanation:

“Today’s vote cleans the gunk out of the gears so we can focus on real debate, and that’s exactly what Montanans and all Americans expect us to do.  If lawmakers disagree with each other they ought to face the music, not hide in secrecy.  Today’s vote to ban secret holds is another win for transparency and accountability that everyone deserves.”

Tester, a longtime champion of reforming the Senate with transparency and accountability, cosponsored a ban on secret holds earlier this month.

The rule change requires Senators who wish to block legislation or nominees to explain their reasoning in writing after two legislative days.

The Senate agreed to end the practice of secret holds with a vote of 92-4.