hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Raises federal minimum wage to $20/hour and ends sub-minimum wages.
Rep. Donald Norcross (Democrat, New Jersey).
Introduced in House, referred to committee.
This bill proposes to increase the federal minimum wage for most workers to $20 per hour over a three-year period. It also gradually eliminates the separate, lower minimum wages for tipped employees, workers under 20, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring they eventually earn the full federal minimum wage. The bill was introduced by Representative Donald Norcross, a Democrat from New Jersey, and has been sent to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for review. This means it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Introduced Feb 10, 2026
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and assigned to the Committee on Education and Workforce. Before it can be voted on by the full House, the committee must review it, hold hearings, and potentially make changes. If it passes the House, it would then move to the Senate for consideration, and if passed there, it would go to the President to be signed into law.
If this bill becomes law, the federal minimum wage would increase to $10.00 per hour initially, then to $13.00, $16.50, and finally $20.00 over the following three years. After that, it would adjust annually based on inflation or economic growth. Tipped employees would see their minimum cash wage increase incrementally over six years until it matches the regular minimum wage, and they would explicitly have the right to keep all their tips. Additionally, the practice of paying workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage would be phased out over six years, and no new employers could apply for these special certificates after the bill's enactment.
Supporters Say
Proponents argue it will lift workers out of poverty and boost the economy by increasing consumer spending.
Critics Say
Opponents typically argue that such increases can lead to job losses and higher prices for consumers.
Supporters of raising the minimum wage often point to economic studies suggesting it can reduce poverty, improve worker morale, and stimulate local economies. They also emphasize fairness, arguing that a full-time worker should earn enough to support themselves. Critics, on the other hand, frequently express concerns that significantly increasing labor costs could force businesses, especially small businesses, to lay off employees, reduce hiring, or raise prices, potentially leading to inflation or business closures.