Despite support among several Republicans, the party blocked a Democratic attempt Tuesday to begin Senate debate on a 10 billion dollars COVID-19 compromise demanding a vote on an amendment preventing President Biden from lifting Title 42, a Trump-era policy that allowed officials to deport asylum seekers at the border because of pandemic-related-concerns.

That move puts Democrats in a difficult place politically.

Title 42 was unpopular among Democrats who are more open to immigration and ahead of the midterm elections, the choice the party makes could deepen the struggle to retain their slim majorities in Congress.

But without additional funding, programs subsiding COVID-19 care of the uninsured, tests and vaccines will grind to a halt.

Most Democratic lawmakers appear against a vote on the amendment, but some do say they would still vote for it even with the provision.