This Times editorial weighs-in on the use of holds in the Senate and the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act.

Wielded like poison rings, they finally embarrassed enough of the Senate to mandate an end to the secrecy two years ago in a high-minded reform entitled the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act. The theory was someone concerned enough to stop a measure cold should at least have the courage to say why.

It’s time to be shocked, shocked that that promise is proving to be nothing more. No enforcement process was written into the legislation, so it’s up to senators to come clean or not. If they don’t, then the hold is removed after a set time. But in a new twist on statesmanlike cooperation, secret holds can be handed on from one anonymous member to another.