(Photo Source: history.com)

House Of Reps Help Raise Minimum Wage

The US House of Representatives passed a bill to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, which has been a longtime goal of Democrats. Congress hasn’t raised the minimum wage in over a decade, and it is currently set at $7.25.

The House passed the bill 231-199. Three Republicans supported the bill, and six Democrats opposed it. Efforts to raise the minimum wage, called “The Fight for $15,” began in 2012. Seattle, New York City, and San Francisco already have a $15 per hour minimum wage.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer lauded the bill on Twitter, writing, “It’s another good day in the House. The #RaiseTheWage Act passed with bipartisan support. House Dems are continuing to make progress #ForThePeople.” Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, said, “America’s workers deserve a raise.” About thirty million people are expected to see their wages increase if the bill becomes law.

However, the bill is unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled Senate. Republicans have traditionally opposed most measures to raise the minimum wage, saying it interferes with market forces. Republicans argued that doubling the minimum wage would result in lost jobs and more companies eliminating service positions. Many low-paying service jobs are already being replaced with automated systems at places like fast-food restaurants.