Definition

When one legislator or small group threatens to block legislation unless their demands are met, essentially hostage-taking with a procedural justification.

Example Usage

The conservative holdout demanded that environmental regulations be removed from the bill before he'd allow a floor vote.

Origin

From the term 'hold up,' implying stopping progress unless demands are met

Fun Fact

Senate holds can be anonymous, meaning a single senator can block nominations and bills without even admitting they're doing it

Source: Congressional procedure terminology

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