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Majority Leader Hoyer's Statement on the Senate's Passage of the Minimum Wage Increase

WASHINGTON, DC - Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) released the following remarks on the Senate's passage of the minimum wage increase:
 
"More than two weeks ago, the People's House passed legislation raising the minimum wage for the first time in ten years, because we recognized that if you work hard and play by the rules, you ought to be able to get ahead in this land of opportunity.  This measure enjoyed broad bipartisan support, passing by a margin of 315 to 116, which included 82 Republican votes.  Today, the Senate followed suit.
 
"House Democrats are encouraged by the Senate's vote, and we remain hopeful that a minimum wage increase will reach the President's desk soon. The 13 million Americans that stand to benefit simply cannot afford to wait any longer.
 
"This increase is long overdue.  It's time for Congress to unite, find a way forward, and offer all the citizens of the richest country in the world a realistic shot at the American Dream."

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