Senate Republicans on Tuesday blocked a bill that would have allowed labor organizations to unionize workplaces without secret ballot elections. Democrats were unable to get the 60 votes needed to force consideration of the Employee Free Choice Act, ending labor's chance to win its top legislative priority from Congress.

The final vote was 51-48.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., had said for months that he would stop the legislation. The White House also made clear that the bill would be vetoed if it passed Congress.

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