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By Jordain Carney
Sen. Dick DurbinDick DurbinDurbin: Dems will block GMO labeling bill McConnell urges Trump to condemn violence at rallies Five House primaries to watch on Tuesday MORE (D-Ill.) suggested Tuesday Democrats will block legislation that bans states from issuing mandatory labeling laws for foods with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
"The current feeling in our caucus is decidedly that we will not allow them to go to this bill," the Senate's No. 2 Democrat told reporters about the GMO bill. ADVERTISEMENTHe added that unless senators are able to get a deal, "I think there will not be enough votes, 60 votes, on the floor." Sen. Debbie StabenowDebbie StabenowDurbin: Dems will block GMO labeling bill Auto union slams Flint aid bill This week: Flint aid, immigration top agenda MORE (D-Mich.) has been working with Sen. Pat RobertsPat RobertsDurbin: Dems will block GMO labeling bill Senate to vote on bill blocking mandatory GMO labeling laws This week: Flint aid, immigration top agenda MORE (R-Kan.) to reach a compromise on his labeling legislation, but leadership in both parties suggested an agreement remains elusive. In addition to banning mandatory state laws, Roberts's legislation would also establish a voluntary national standard for GMO labeling. Democrats, however, have been deeply critical of the measure this week, arguing that the bill lacks teeth and the public should know what is in its food. "This is just another case of the Republicans in the Senate trying to create an appearance of doing something without really doing anything at all. It happens so often and has happened often during the past year," Minority Leader Harry ReidHarry ReidWarren: Republican SCOTUS strategy 'arrogant'
SCOTUS lawyers push leadership to take up nominee Durbin: Dems will block GMO labeling bill MORE (D-Nev.) said earlier Tuesday. Sen. Jon TesterJon TesterDurbin: Dems will block GMO labeling bill Mike Myers: US can learn 'civility' from Canada Canadian celebs spotlighted at White House dinner for Trudeau
MORE (D-Mont.) added, separately, "Quite frankly, voluntary standards are no standards at all." The rhetorical battle comes as the Senate is expected to take a procedural vote Wednesday on Roberts's bill. Republicans will need the support of at least six Democrats to move forward and get a final vote this week. Roberts suggested the debate surrounding his legislation has "been a little harsh." "I'm somewhat perturbed that everyone is criticizing the compromise, but they're sure as hell not offering anything else," he said. Roberts added that if Democrats block the legislation, Majority Leader Mitch McConnellMitch McConnellOvernight Healthcare: CDC urges doctors to cut back on painkillers Mark Mellman: Convention games GOP lawmaker calls Trump protesters 'thugs' MORE (R-Ky.) could vote against the legislation, using a procedural move that would allow Republicans to bring it back up later.
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