Senate Prepares for Stimulus Vote
A $15 minimum wage hike is still splitting Democrats
Francis Scialabba
• less than 3 min read
A $15 federal minimum wage continues to divide lawmakers like mayo on fries. This past weekend, the House passed President Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus package, which included a minimum wage hike.
As soon as Wednesday, the Senate will vote on its version. It also includes $1,400 direct payments, $400/week in unemployment benefits, $350 billion for state and local governments, and funding for vaccine distribution and schools...but the $15/hour will be missing.
It's a win for centrists
Like their House colleagues, Senate Republicans will likely unanimously oppose the bill. With the chamber split 50–50, Democrats can't lose a single vote.
Now that the wage increase is out, a handful of moderate Democrats who were skeptical of it are more likely to support the bill. If it passes, the House will need to vote again on a matching version.
Big picture: Pandemic containment and relief are Biden's top priority. This bill is a "test of his ability to unite Democrats in the Senate...and risks lasting damage to his influence should he fail," the AP writes.
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