Under the emerging deal, senators would still be able to put a “hold” on nominations and legislation — and therefore prevent quick votes on them — but instead of remaining anonymous for several days as current rules allow, the name of a senator who employs a hold would be made public right away. Supporters of this reform believe that senators will be less likely to drag out a dispute if they need to defend it publicly.

In an effort to reduce the Senate’s workload, senators also are considering scaling back the large number of presidential appointees who need their confirmation. Supporters believe that reducing the number of typically noncontroversial nominees will streamline the Senate’s calendar and provide fewer opportunities for holds and filibusters.

Negotiators are also considering, one of the aides said, eliminating a senator’s ability to demand that entire bills be read aloud on the Senate floor, another stalling tactic that’s occasionally employed, to the distress of the vocal cords of Senate clerks.