Minimum wage reduction revives progressive calls for Senate obstruction

Minimum wage reduction revives progressive calls for Senate obstruction

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A Senate official’s decision against raising Democrats’ $ 15 minimum wage in the next coronavirus bill has revived calls to end the Senate obstruction.

Democrats are trying to pass legislation through reconciliation, a fast-track process that allows them to get around the 60-vote legislative obstruction. Therefore, any provision included in the bill needs to be approved by the mysterious budget rules.

Elizabeth MacDonough Parliamentary Senate decided on Thursday that the $ 1.9 trillion minimum wage increase in the coronavirus relief account is not in line with budget rules.

The decision was a blow to the progressives, who saw the measure as a fundamental device of the relief bill.

Progressive senators used Twitter after the decision on Thursday to express their frustration at the decision and to ask for the obstruction to be lifted.

Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenBecerra says she wants to ‘build’ ObamaCare when pressured by Deputy Adeyemo of Medicare for All Yellen on the way to quick confirmation Menendez reintroduces corporate diversity project MORE (D-Mass) tweeted on Thursday “Democrats should not be held hostage by [Sen.] Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellKlain on Manchin’s objection to Neera Tanden: He ‘doesn’t answer us at the White House’ Democratic fury at the Republican Party explodes at House Murkowski undecided about Tanden as an indication in limbo MORE [R-Ky.] to help families in need. It is time to get rid of the obstruction to raise the minimum wage to $ 15 and approve the other bold policies that Americans voted for us to comply with. ”

Warren, a former Democratic presidential candidate in 2020, asked the Senate to end the obstruction earlier, saying that the next time Democrats have the power, action must be taken.

“So, let me be as clear as possible about this. When Democrats come to power, we should be bold: we end with two sets of rules – one for Republicans and one for Democrats,” she said in 2019, according with a Politico report.

Sen. Alex PadillaAlex PadillaBiden’s choices face danger in 50-50 Senate Menendez reintroduces corporate diversity bill States that pay billions in fraudulent unemployment claims MORE (D-Calif.) Tweeted “end of obstruction. Increase the minimum wage. ”

But despite appeals from lawmakers, Senate Democrats are unlikely to be able to prevent obstruction. Democrats would need all 50 members of their caucus to invoke the “nuclear option”, which would end the obstruction with a simple majority.

However, moderate Democrats like Sen. Joe ManchinJoseph (Joe) ManchinKlain on Manchin’s objection to Neera Tanden: He ‘does not answer us in the White House’ Klain says Harris would not reject parliamentary on minimum wage increase On The Money: Senate panels postpone Tanden meetings in negative light | Biden signs supply chain order after ‘positive’ meeting with lawmakers MORE (W.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.) They have already said they would oppose getting rid of the obstruction, and several other members have not expressed an opinion on the change in any way.

Talks about the obstruction were also raised last month, when Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Tried to preserve the obstruction as he and the majority leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerHillicon Valley: Biden signs order for chips | Hearing about media misinformation | Facebook agreement with Australia | CIA Nominee at SolarWinds House Rules Launches New Text for COVID-19 Budowsky Relief Bill: Cruz Goes to Cancún, AOC Goes to Texas MORE (DN.Y.) were negotiating a power-sharing agreement for the equally divided chamber.

McConnell withdrew after Manchin and Sinema said they would not support an end to the obstruction, and the Senate finally approved the power-sharing measure.

Still, some progressive lawmakers on Thursday night pressured the Senate to end the obstruction to pass a $ 15 minimum wage.

Sen. Brian SchatzBrian Emanuel SchatzLittle known as Senate referee for playing an important role in Biden’s relief plan (D-Hawaii), also criticized the procedure on Twitter, saying “The obstruction was never in the constitution, it originated mainly by accident and has historically been used to block civil rights. No legislature on earth has a supermajority requirement because it is stupid and paralyzing. It’s time to destroy Jim Crow’s obstruction. ”

Sen. Chris MurphyChristopher (Chris) Scott MurphyNew rule shakes Senate Armed Services subcommittees Biden promises action against weapons amid resistance to Sunday shows – Trump’s absolution in second impeachment trial reverberates MORE (D-Conn.) He also tweeted “the obstruction is killing Democracy”.

Following MacDonough’s decision, Mayor Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiSenators did not give a deadline for the removal of the National Guard, near the Capitol The Democratic fury with the Republican Party explodes in the House Republican House tries to appeal a fine for ignoring out-of-chamber metal detector (D-Calif.) He said that the increase in the minimum wage will still be included in the bill when the House votes, leaving it to the Senate to remove the text.

Updated at 23h

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