"If a party-line vote blocks it, then the next step is not simply to have a vote. The next step is to attach this legislation to must-pass legislation and to actually fix the problem," the Texas Republican said.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Today's vote is nothing but a political show vote. Senator Vitter knows his legislation has no chance of passing the Senate or being signed into law," Schumer added.

Cruz didn't specify to what "must-pass" bill he would like to see Republican leaders attach Vitter's legislation, but lawmakers face upcoming deadlines to pass a long-term highway funding bill and increase the debt ceiling.

He added that "leadership loves to speak of what they call governing, and in Washington governing is always said at least an octave lower, governing. Well, when it comes to stopping sanctuary cities and protecting our safety, we need some governing."