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Mae West Hold

A “Mae West hold” is a type of Senate hold nicknamed because of the senator’s implied desire to make a deal, rather than block a legislative action entirely.

The reference to movie star Mae West alludes to her frequently misquoted line from the 1933 film She Done Him Wrong: “Why don’t you come up sometime and see me?” 

The senator implies that those who wish to clear the hold are welcome to visit his office and negotiate.