Senate blocked from adding $15 minimum wage provision to COVID aid package

Democrats cannot include a $15 minimum wage mandate in their COVID-19 spending package, the Senate parliamentarian ruled Thursday.

Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough rejected arguments by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders that a minimum wage increase conformed to special rules allowing the Senate to pass the COVID-19 spending package with only 51 votes, a source familiar told the Washington Examiner.

Democrats can try to vote to overrule MacDonough with a majority vote, but some lawmakers in their own party would likely object.