Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) voted for bipartisan legislation increasing the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour over two years, benefiting nearly 13 million American workers and their families. Congressman Green was an original co-sponsor of H.R. 2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. The House passed the bill this afternoon by a vote of 315 to 116.

"A full-time job should be a bridge out of poverty, an opportunity to make a living through work," said Rep. Green. "Unfortunately, for minimum wage earners, especially those with families, it is not."

"In 44 states, a worker earning the federal minimum wage would have to work two or three jobs simply to rent a 2-bedroom apartment at fair market rent,” Rep. Green stated. “I strongly believe that in this land of hope and opportunity, all working families should be able to rely on the product of their labor to put a roof over the heads of their families."

The H.R. 2 will increase the minimum wage by $2.10 – from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over two years. The bipartisan bill raises the minimum wage to $5.85 60 days after enactment; to $6.55 one year later; and to $7.25 one year after that. Congress has not increased the minimum wage since September 1997 – the longest period of government inaction since the minimum wage was enacted in 1938. Adjusting for inflation, today’s minimum wage of $5.15 is at its lowest level since 1955.

"Today’s vote is an important first step. It will help 1.7 million Texans and millions of other hard working Americans earn a decent day’s wages for a decent day’s work," said Rep. Green. "It is time that Congress followed the lead of 28 States and the District of Columbia and increased the minimum wage."