WASHINGTON, DC - House Ways and Mean Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) today heralded presidential approval of the minimum wage raise as a "big win" for American workers. The measure, included in the Iraq War supplemental spending package, passed Congress and was approved by the president last week. The new law will raise the federal minimum wage for the first time in over a decade. As chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Rangel played an integral role in negotiating and securing passage of the minimum wage increase, one of the signature elements of the new Democratic majority`s agenda for America.
"Increasing the minimum wage will be a big win for American workers and is an example of the new Democratic Congress’ commitment to improving the quality of life for working families in America," said Chairman Rangel. "Raising the minimum wage is one small, but important step toward lifting more American households out of poverty and easing the income disparities that continue to grow in this country. This legislation represents the good that can come when lawmakers set aside partisanship and focus on what is right for the American people."
