Senate votes down federal minimum wage hike

The Senate voted down a budget amendment calling for a “substantial increase” in the federal minimum wage Thursday, with 52 votes against and 48 votes in favor. A simple majority of 51 votes was required for passage.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., introduced the amendment to the Republican budget resolution, and it was co-sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. The vote was mostly along party lines, with Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the only Republicans to vote in favor.