A senatorial hold is a procedural tool in the U.S. Senate allowing a Senator to prevent a motion from reaching the floor for a vote. This can be done for various reasons, such as expressing disagreement with a nomination or legislation or seeking more information. Holds can effectively stall legislation or appointments, emphasizing the importance of a single Senator’s influence in the legislative process. While typically temporarily, holds highlight the complexities of Senate rules and may prompt negotiations or compromises before the matter is brought to a vote.