07/18/2019

U.S. House Votes to Hike Minimum Wage

The measure passed by a 231-199 vote

Today, the U.S. of Representatives passed legislation to gradually hike the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025, giving House Democrats a win on a core piece of their domestic agenda.

The measure passed by a 231-199 vote, with three Republicans in support and six Democrats opposed.

“I commend my colleagues for taking this important step towards creating an economy that works for everyone,” said Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), who introduced the legislation. “Now Senate Republicans must decide to either stand with American workers or turn their backs on hardworking people across the country.”

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said raising the minimum wage is a “feel good policy” but would lead to millions of lost jobs. The Republican-controlled Senate has no plans to bring the legislation to a vote and the White House has already said President Trump would veto the bill if it makes it to his desk.

Congress last raised the federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour in 2009, although 29 states and the District of Columbia have taken action on their own to raise the minimum wage based on cost of living. According to a Congressional Budget Office analysis, raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour would pull 1.3 million Americans above the poverty level and give wage increases to up to 27 million workers.

This article was provided to OSAE by the Power of A and ASAE's Inroads.