Particle.news
Download on the App Store
19 ARTICLES
·
3mo ago

Senators Propose Raising Federal Minimum Wage to $15

Lawmakers say the measure would lift earnings for millions of workers with automatic inflation adjustments to prevent future wage stagnation.

Image
U.S Sen. Josh Hawley on June 2, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Activists appeal for a $15 minimum wage near the US Capitol in Washington in 2021. There have been many attempts to raise it, but there hasn't been an increase to federal minimum wage since 2009. (J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP FILE)
Image

Overview

  • The Higher Wages for American Workers Act, introduced June 10 by GOP Sen. Josh Hawley and Democrat Peter Welch, would set the federal minimum wage at $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026.
  • The proposal includes annual cost-of-living increases tied to inflation to ensure wage growth keeps pace with rising prices.
  • Though several states and large employers already exceed a $15 wage floor, the federal rate has remained at $7.25 since 2009.
  • The bill is a key part of Hawley’s Pro-Worker Framework for the 119th Congress, reflecting his shift toward populist economic policies.
  • As of June 11, the legislation awaits congressional action and the White House has declined to comment on whether President Trump will support the measure.