Mediaboss Marketing

U.S. Senate Republicans blocked legislation to raise the federal minimum wage as the chambers Democrats pledged to hold more votes on the measure before Novembers election.

Supporters had only 54 votes, with 60 required, to advance the bill, which would increase the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour from $7.25. President Barack Obama, who called for the increase in his January State of the Union address, accused Republicans of pushing a top-down economic policy that benefits the most wealthy at the expense of lower- and middle-income Americans.

By preventing even a vote on this bill, they prevented a raise for 28 million hardworking Americans, Obama said at the White House after the Senate vote. They said no to helping millions work their way out of poverty.

Senator Chuck Schumer of New York said Democrats will bring this issue back over and over and over again.

Raising the minimum wage is a central element of congressional Democrats election-year focus on income inequality, an issue they say appeals to voters and will help them keep control of the chamber. Republicans must gain a net six seats in November to take a majority in the Senate.

Millions of American workers will be watching how each senator votes, Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, said on the Senate floor before the vote. For Republicans, this vote will demonstrate whether they truly care about the economy.

Republicans oppose the measure, which they say will cost jobs.

Ins and Outs of Supermajority Rule

Washington Democrats are just not serious about helping the middle class, said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican.

Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee was the only Republican who voted to advance the bill. Reid changed his yes vote to no to preserve his ability to bring up the measure in the future.

See original here:
Minimum Wage Increase Blocked by Republicans in Senate