Congressman Cleaver Votes To Raise The Federal Minimum Wage, Increase Pay For Up To 33 Million American Workers
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of H.R. 582, the Raise The Wage Act, a landmark bill to gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $15 over six years. According to analysis from the Economic Policy Institute, the bill would increase pay for up to 33 million Americans, including nearly 124,900 workers in the Fifth District of Missouri who would receive, on average, an additional $2,000 per year. The bill was passed by a vote of 231-199 and will now go to the Senate.
"Today is a great day for millions of American workers who have spent years working hard, playing by the rules, and trying to provide for their families on a wage that is simply unsustainable," said Congressman Cleaver. "It is because of these workers and their fight for the dignity of a livable wage that we have reached this moment, and I couldn't be more proud to support these workers in their quest for what is right and just."
The federal minimum wage was last increased a decade ago in 2009—the longest stretch in history. Since that time, low-wage workers have suffered a 17 percent pay cut due to inflation. There is no county in America where a full-time worker making the federal minimum wage can afford the basic necessities for themselves and their families. According to the Congressional Budget Office's review of a similar proposal, raising the minimum wage would lift 1.3 million Americans out of poverty, including 600,000 children. The bill would also be a significant achievement for narrowing the gender wage gap that disproportionately impacts women of color, giving nearly 20 million working women a raise that they have earned and deserve.
Congressman Cleaver also recognizes the unique situation that individuals with disabilities and small business owners in rural areas face. He will continue to push for ways to assist rural areas and make improvements to Social Security Disability (SSDI) in order to avoid any unintended consequences to individuals receiving SSDI benefits.
"While this is a monumental moment for hard-working men and women across the nation, the fight is not over. These giant corporations will not give in easily," Congressman Cleaver said. "They have the money and the power, but we have the people and the passion for justice. As long as we stand together, united against inequality and oppressive wages, I have no doubt we will win the fight for 15."
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.
