The Senate on Thursday rejected an amendment that would have allowed states to require labeling of genetically modified foods. Sen. Bernie Sanders said afterward that he would continue to push for Congress to make it clear that states may require the labels. The Vermont House passed a labeling bill in May, putting the state at the forefront of the effort. Similar legislation is pending this year in 26 other statehouses around the country.  “The people of Vermont and the people of America have a right to know what's in the food that they eat,” Sanders said.

Although Sanders’ amendment lost 27-71, Politico’s David Rogers noted that, with one exception, “top Democratic leadership in the Senate now appears sympathetic to greater GMO labeling.” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid supported Sanders’ amendment. So did Sen. Chuck Schumer, the No. 3 Senate leader. Sen. Patrick Leahy, Sanders’ Vermont colleague who is the Senate President Pro Tempore, also voted for the amendment.