Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks at a press conference on raising the federal minimum wage outside the Capitol Building, in Washington, DC. I would hope every member of Congress understands that there will be political consequences," he added.
"And as you've heard today, this is a popular issue. "We're focusing on making sure that we have the votes in the Senate and the House to raise the minimum wage," Sanders told reporters. When asked about the bill's prospects in a chamber narrowly controlled by Democrats, Sanders warned those who opposed the "popular" idea would face political consequences. And maybe some of my colleagues in Congress might want to live for a month on seven-and-a-quarter and see what that's like," Sanders said as the workers behind him audibly agreed. "Nobody in this country can survive on $7.25. Pay Us" - a message the workers later chanted at the end of the presser - Sanders said it would be impossible to survive on the current minimum wage of $7.25-an-hour. MORE: Biden executive order takes steps to require federal contractors pay $15 minimum wageĪgainst the backdrop of workers holding signs reading "Respect Us. You think it's time to raise it? I do most Americans do, so we're gonna do our best to get this off to the floor as soon as we can," he said. "The last minimum wage bill passed by Congress was in 2008. The senator's suggestion - a $2 increase from his 2021 proposal - is designed to keep pace with inflation, Sanders said in remarks decrying congressional inaction. "I am delighted to announce this morning that on June 14, the Senate HELP Committee will be marking up a bill to raise the minimum wage to $17 an hour over a five-year period," Sanders announced Thursday.
Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, said a $17-an-hour minimum wage is needed to help workers keep pace with the rising cost of living across the United States. A Senate committee will soon take up a bill that would more than double the minimum wage - though the legislation's chances of passage are slim.
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