But it might make a difference if we have the hearings or not in some people’s eyes, especially senators on the fence. Thus, best of both worlds, have the hearings but closed door. Unfortunately I don’t think the senate is prepared to do away with them completely, otherwise going straight to a vote would be best. But we can’t risk any senators deciding to go for a no vote instead of a yes because there were no hearings. If they must do hearings, they need to do them closed door.