Conservative Sen. Josh Hawley wants to raise federal minimum wage

Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley is making waves with his plans to introduce legislation that would raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour. This surprising move aligns Hawley, one of the most conservative Republican lawmakers in Congress, with some of the most liberal members of the legislative body.

The proposed legislation, named the “Higher Wages for American Workers Act,” aims to increase the federal minimum wage starting in 2026. Additionally, the bill calls for subsequent annual increases to match inflation. Vermont Democratic Sen. Peter Welch has joined as a co-sponsor, showing bipartisan support for the initiative.

Hawley emphasized the importance of addressing the stagnant wages that working Americans have faced for decades. He believes that the failure of the federal minimum wage to keep pace with the economic realities has contributed to this issue. Welch echoed these sentiments, highlighting the affordability crisis faced by families across the country and the need for a living wage.

Currently, the federal minimum wage stands at $7.25 per hour, a rate that has remained unchanged since 2009. Hawley’s push for a $15 minimum wage puts him at odds with traditional conservative party beliefs, which have historically opposed such increases due to concerns about the impact on businesses and consumers. However, Hawley’s stance reflects the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party, influenced by the populist approach of former President Trump.

Hawley’s broader legislative agenda, known as the “Pro-Worker Framework for the 119th Congress,” includes proposals to strengthen protections for union jobs, organizing, and collective bargaining. This aligns with his efforts to champion working-class issues and appeal to a broader base of voters.

In his home state of Missouri, voters approved a ballot measure to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026. However, the Legislature repealed a provision that would have allowed for future increases to adjust for inflation. Despite this setback, Hawley remains committed to advocating for higher wages for American workers.

The decision to introduce legislation to raise the federal minimum wage follows President Trump’s reversal of a Biden-era executive order that increased the minimum wage for federal contractors. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has expressed opposition to raising the federal minimum wage, suggesting that such decisions should be left to individual states.

Hawley’s willingness to break from party orthodoxy and champion the cause of higher wages demonstrates his commitment to addressing the needs of working Americans. By collaborating with lawmakers across the political spectrum and advocating for policies that prioritize workers’ well-being, Hawley is carving out a unique position within the Republican Party.