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By Jordain Carney
Senate Democrats on Wednesday blocked legislation that would create a voluntary national standard for labeling rules for foods with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Senators voted 49-48 on a procedural hurdle, with 60 votes needed to move forward. The measure would ban states from issuing their own mandatory labeling rules. ADVERTISEMENTBut Democrats argue that that the GOP bill, spearheaded by Sen. Pat RobertsPat RobertsSenate Dems block GMO labeling bill The Hill's 12:30 Report McConnell, Grassley voted against Garland in 1997 MORE (R-Kan.), lacks teeth and doesn't allow the public to know what is in their food. Sen. Jon TesterJon TesterSenate Dems block GMO labeling bill Democrats prep election-year game plan around Trump ticket Durbin: Dems will block GMO labeling bill MORE (D-Mont.) told reporters ahead of Wednesday's vote that voluntary labeling will "amount to no labeling at all, and that's not what the people want." "It's a huge step backwards for the consumers in this country," he added, referring to Roberts's legislation. Instead, Democrats, led by Sen. Jeff MerkleyJeff MerkleySenate Dems block GMO labeling bill Senate to vote on bill blocking mandatory GMO labeling laws 27 Dems who haven't endorsed Clinton or Sanders MORE (D-Ore.), have offered a rival labeling bill that would allow manufacturers to choose one of four ways to label GMOs. Democrats suggested that while Wednesday's vote would be close, they were hopeful they had enough support to be able to block the GOP legislation. Sen. Debbie StabenowDebbie StabenowSenate Dems block GMO labeling bill Durbin: Dems will block GMO labeling bill Auto union slams Flint aid bill MORE (D-Mich.) has been negotiating with Roberts to try to get an agreement, but she said earlier Wednesday that a deal remains elusive. "I'm forever the optimist that we will get there, even though we are not there yet," she said. "If we at this point do not proceed but can have some more time, I believe it is possible for us to come together in a bipartisan solution." The legislation has also sparked pushback from consumer groups. Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, sent an open letter to senators earlier this week arguing that the bill duplicates voluntary labeling standards already in place while blocking states from action. Supporters of Roberts's legislation, however, warn that the the current patchwork of state laws could make it expensive for companies to comply, driving up food prices. Roberts suggested blocking the legislation could result in consumers spending an additional $82 billion per year. "[We're voting on] whether or not to prevent a wrecking ball from hitting our entire food supply chain," he said, adding that state laws will cause "havoc." He also accused Democrats of releasing legislation but not allowing it to come up for a vote, asking: "Will their proposals pass the Senate or, better yet, the House? In short, where is their solution?" Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellMitch McConnellInhofe: 'It doesn’t matter if Obama would nominate George W. Bush’ Overnight Healthcare: Mental health bill ready for full Senate McConnell speaks with SCOTUS nominee MORE (R-Ky.) voted against the legislation, using a procedural tactic that will allow him to potentially bring it back up. Democrats suggested they were open to continuing negations to try to get an agreement. Any potential deal, they suggested, would need to be more in line with Merkley's legislation. The House passed a similar proposal last year.
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