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Hoyer Statement on Senate's Failure to Move Forward With a Clean Minimum Wage Increase

WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) released the following statement today after the Senate failed to move forward with a clean minimum wage increase:

"Today, American workers who have been waiting for an increase in the minimum wage for more than 10 years learned that they are going to have to wait even longer.  This news is profoundly disappointing to a bipartisan majority of Members in the House and the Senate, as well as voters, who have repeatedly voiced their desire to see the minimum wage increased.

"Two weeks ago today, the People's House passed legislation raising the minimum wage by $2.10 over the next two years and two months - fulfilling a key promise the Democratic Majority made to the American people in the last election.  Both Democrats and Republicans endorsed this measure, which passed by an overwhelming majority of 315 to 116, because we recognized that all Americans deserve a realistic shot at the American Dream.

"It's simply not right that a simple bill to increase the minimum wage, which received bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, is now being held hostage by 43 Senate Republicans who are defying the wishes of voters.

"Minimum-wage earners who work hard and play by the rules deserve to be able get ahead in this land of opportunity - and legislative action on their behalf is long overdue.  It's about time that this Congress prove it was listening when the American people asked for a new direction and pass a clean minimum wage increase that the President can sign into law.  The millions of Americans who stand to benefit can't afford to wait any longer."

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