Overview

• Sen. Josh Hawley and Sen. Peter Welch filed the Higher Wages for American Workers Act to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
• The proposal mandates automatic annual cost-of-living increases to ensure the wage keeps pace with inflation.
• Conservative organizations like the Employment Policies Institute and some Senate Republicans warn the hike could lead to significant job losses.
• President Trump has not taken a position on the plan, and the Senate’s 60-vote threshold poses a steep barrier to advancing the legislation.
• Supporters say the increase is essential to help families manage rising living costs in states across the country.