Congresswoman Torres Introduces the Better Pay for American Workers Act to Raise the Minimum Wage

September 07, 2026 Congresswoman Torres Introduces the Better Pay for American Workers Act to Raise the Minimum Wage Washington D.C. – Today, on Labor Day, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) introduced the Better Pay for American Workers Act , legislation to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $20 per hour by 2029 and ensure wages keep pace with the broader economy. The federal minimum wage has remained at just $7.25 per hour since 2009, even as families face rising costs for housing, groceries, health care, utilities, and other necessities. Since 2009, grocery costs have skyrocketed by 60% and rent has more than doubled, up 110%, and yet Republicans in Congress have blocked multiple efforts to raise the federal minimum wage. This comes as President Trump’s Iran War has caused diesel prices, critical for the delivery of everyday goods, to jump to a record-high of $5.85 a gallon nationwide. “Working people are doing everything right and still struggling to keep up,” said Congresswoman Torres. “Seven dollars and twenty-five cents an hour simply does not cut it in today’s economy. If you work hard and put in a full day’s work, you should be able to afford a roof over your head, food on the table, and the basic necessities your family depends on.” “Americans should not have to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet,” Torres continued. “While even $20 an hour is not enough, we need to take a step in the right direction toward a living wage, and it is past time for Congress to stand with working families, raise wages, and give Americans a better chance to get ahead.” The Better Pay for American Workers Act would raise the federal minimum wage to $15 in 2027, $17.50 in 2028, and $20 in 2029. Beginning in 2030, if the national median hourly wage increases, the minimum wage would increase by the same rate, preventing the minimum wage from falling behind again. Unlike Congress in Washington D.C., California has taken steps to ensure workers earn a decent paycheck in our state. California’s current minimum wage is $16.90 an hour, and is set to increase to $17.40 beginning January 1, 2027, higher than any current statewide minimum wage. California has also raised the minimum wage to $20 an hour for fast-food workers, and $25 an hour for healthcare workers. Rep. Torres’ bill would ensure the federal minimum wage catches up to California and eventually surpasses it in 2029. In the Inland Empire, the estimated living wage is $28.26 per hour for a single adult with no children, underscoring the growing gap between wages and the cost of living. Full bill text ### Print Email Share Tweet