Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has teamed up with Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., to introduce the Higher Wages for American Workers Act, a bill proposing to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour. This move marks a notable shift for Hawley, positioning him as a rare Republican advocate for a policy typically supported by Democrats. The bill aims to set the nationwide minimum wage to $15 starting January 1 of the first year post-enactment, with subsequent annual adjustments for inflation.
Hawley emphasized the need for such a wage increase, stating that working people have not seen raises in years and highlighting the growing affordability crisis affecting families across the political spectrum. The current federal minimum wage of $7.25 has not changed since 2009, despite repeated efforts by Democrats to raise it failing to overcome Senate filibuster thresholds.
Welch argued that stagnant wages exacerbate financial hardships, insisting that every hardworking American deserves a living wage reflective of current economic realities. Hawley acknowledged that the existing minimum wage is insufficient for families to thrive, indicating that numerous states have already acted to increase wages independently.
Despite the populist angle of the proposal, Hawley recognizes the challenges ahead, as the GOP controls a significant majority in the Senate, making it unlikely for the bill to gain traction. Some Republicans, like Sen. Ron Johnson, oppose the measure, arguing that wage increases could negatively impact job availability.
Further complicating matters is former President Donald Trump’s stance, as he has not endorsed raising the federal minimum wage. While Hawley hopes for Trump’s support, his bill faces significant hurdles in the current political landscape.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
