The Post examines Senate holds this morning.

In a 2007 ethics bill, Wyden and Grassley succeeded in winning a six-day limit on anonymous holds, after which the senator placing one must identify himself and give a reason for wanting to block a vote on a nomination or bill. But that clock begins to tick only when someone – as McCaskill did – goes to the Senate floor and tries to bring up a nominee or bill.

Senators can also still keep a hold secret by abandoning it before the six days is up and getting a colleague to take it up.