Senate Democrats moved June 25 to propose more than tripling the current federal minimum wage, introducing legislation that would raise it to $25 an hour over the next five years.
The “Living Wage for All Act,” led by Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, would phase in the increase based on company size and eliminate the tipped minimum wage, underscoring an aggressive push by progressives to address rising costs as the federal rate has remained at $7.25 since 2009.
“There is no reason that somebody should go to work full-time in this country and not be able to pay their bills,” Murphy said at a news conference. “It is time that everybody who works makes a dignified wage.”
Under the proposal, companies with 500 or more workers would have until 2031 to reach a $25 hourly minimum wage, while smaller businesses would have until 2038 to meet the same threshold. The bill would also eliminate lower wages for restaurant servers and other workers who rely on tips.
The legislation comes as economic concerns remain top of mind for many Americans. About 60% disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy, according to a recent PBS News/NPR/Marist poll, and 45% say they are not planning to take a summer vacation in 2026.
Democrats Continue to Push for Increased Wages
The Senate effort builds on a broader push among Democrats to raise pay.
In April, a group of House Democrats led by Reps. Delia Ramirez of Illinois and Analilia Mejia of New Jersey introduced similar legislation seeking to raise the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour.
“Minimum wage is not a living wage,” Ramirez said in a press release. “If we want to address the affordability crisis, we must address the wage crisis.”
How Many States Are Above the Federal Minimum Wage?
The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 an hour since 2009, following a three-step increase under the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007.
While the federal rate has not changed in more than a decade, 30 states and Washington, DC, now have minimum wages above that level.
Contributing: Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY.
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