Sen. Dick Durbin Richard (Dick) Joseph DurbinMcConnell focuses on confirming judicial nominees with COVID-19 talks stalled Senate Republicans signal openness to working with Biden Top GOP senator calls for Biden to release list of possible Supreme Court picks 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.

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He added that unless senators are able to get a deal, "I think there will not be enough votes, 60 votes, on the floor."

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.

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.