Republicans block attempt to pass TPS for Venezuelans weeks before Election Day

[Demovictory9]

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article245735115.html

Republicans blocked a proposal Wednesday by Democrats in the U.S. Senate to fast-track a bill that would grant Venezuelans in the United States Temporary Protected Status, the latest attempt to appeal to Venezuelans in Florida seven weeks before Election Day.

Two Democratic senators, Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Dick Durbin of Illinois, attempted to pass a bill that would have granted TPS to Venezuelans — allowing them to live and work legally in the U.S. for a limited time without threat of deportation — through a process in the Senate called unanimous consent. The move, which is essentially a voice vote, bypasses usual Senate procedure and provides a speedy way to pass legislation, but it fails if one senator opposes it.

South Dakota Republican Sen. John Thune blocked the bill’s passage on behalf of Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee.

“This is a serious mistake and deadly mistake for these Venezuelans,” Durbin said in response to Thune’s objection.