A new bill in Congress could raise the nation’s minimum wage for the first time since 2009.A group of Democratic lawmakers introduced the Living Wage for All Act on Tuesday, which would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour.If enacted, the bill would require employers with more than 500 workers to gradually increase pay until they reach $25 an hour by 2031. Above video: The minimum wage rises in 22 states in 2026Smaller employers would phase in more gradually, expected to reach the same mark by 2038.The bill would also establish standards “that keep the minimum wage aligned with typical wages across the economy."Reps. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill.; Chuy García, D-Ill.; Lateefah Simon, D-Calif.; and Analilia Mejia, D-N.J., introduced the bill this week. It was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.The federal minimum wage currently sits at $7.25 an hour.Although several states and cities have raised their minimum wages above the federal minimum, there hasn’t been an increase at the federal level since 2009. Currently, 30 states have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage.Proponents of the bill say it would give families the money they need as workers cope with the rising cost of living.“Corporate profits are at a record high and bosses are actively cutting their workforces, undermining organizing efforts, and trying to replace labor entirely,” said García. “Meanwhile, working families are struggling to pay their rent, buy groceries, and go to the doctor. It’s past time that workers are paid what they deserve.” Critics of higher minimum wages argue that increasing pay could lead to job losses and higher prices, as businesses may offset rising labor costs by charging consumers more.

A new bill in Congress could raise the nation’s minimum wage for the first time since 2009.

A group of Democratic lawmakers introduced the Living Wage for All Act on Tuesday, which would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour.

If enacted, the bill would require employers with more than 500 workers to gradually increase pay until they reach $25 an hour by 2031.

Above video: The minimum wage rises in 22 states in 2026

Smaller employers would phase in more gradually, expected to reach the same mark by 2038.

The bill would also establish standards “that keep the minimum wage aligned with typical wages across the economy."

Reps. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill.; Chuy García, D-Ill.; Lateefah Simon, D-Calif.; and Analilia Mejia, D-N.J., introduced the bill this week. It was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

The federal minimum wage currently sits at $7.25 an hour.

Although several states and cities have raised their minimum wages above the federal minimum, there hasn’t been an increase at the federal level since 2009.

Currently, 30 states have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage.

Proponents of the bill say it would give families the money they need as workers cope with the rising cost of living.

“Corporate profits are at a record high and bosses are actively cutting their workforces, undermining organizing efforts, and trying to replace labor entirely,” said García. “Meanwhile, working families are struggling to pay their rent, buy groceries, and go to the doctor. It’s past time that workers are paid what they deserve.”

Critics of higher minimum wages argue that increasing pay could lead to job losses and higher prices, as businesses may offset rising labor costs by charging consumers more.

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