Josh Hawley pushes to raise federal minimum wage to $15 per hour
- Josh Hawley is introducing legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour starting in 2026.
- The proposed act has bipartisan support, with Democratic Senator Peter Welch joining as a co-sponsor.
- There is a growing consensus about the need for higher wages due to the affordability crisis affecting families across the country.
In recent months, Josh Hawley, the Republican junior senator from Missouri, has advocated for raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, introducing the legislation known as the "Higher Wages for American Workers Act." This act aims to initiate the wage increase starting in 2026, with additional adjustments to follow based on inflation. The legislation has received bipartisan support, particularly from Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, who highlights the economic challenges faced by working families across the nation. Both senators argue that the current federal minimum wage of $7.25, stagnant since 2009, is inadequate for modern living costs. They contend that the failure to increase this wage further exacerbates the financial struggles of countless American families, as they grapple with affordability crises in housing and groceries. The proposed adjustments are expected to align the minimum wage with inflation to ensure that it remains relevant in addressing the economic realities that hard-working Americans encounter today. This joint effort reflects a shifting dynamic within the Republican Party, as Hawley seeks to realign GOP policies with the needs of working-class voters, a move that could reshape discussions on wage policies ahead of potential legislative sessions. Overall, Hawley’s bipartisan proposal marks a significant legislative initiative aimed at improving the financial well-being of workers nationwide, signaling an evolving conversation around minimum wage and economic support mechanisms.