Today, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) voted to pass the Raise the Wage Act, a bill he cosponsored to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour nationwide over six years. He has also advocated for a regional minimum wage, which creates a variable minimum wage tailored to reflect the cost of living, by region. California’s minimum wage is already set to reach $15 an hour by 2022, which is necessary for the high cost of living in San Diego.

“I supported this bill because an increase to the minimum wage is long overdue. In our country, someone who works a full-time job should be able to make ends meet. I’m also aware that under its current leadership, the Senate is unlikely to take up this bill. Therefore, I remain willing to use this vote as a springboard for a bipartisan conversation on how we can raise wages and improve conditions for workers across America. I urge my colleagues in both the House and Senate to work for a solution that delivers for American workers,” said Rep. Peters.