Where do you stand?

house Bill H.R. 2617

Delaying a Minimum Wage Increase in American Samoa

Argument in favor

American Samoa's delegate has asked for more time to determine its own minimum wage, so the federal government should give them that time and not mandate an increase.

Chief's Opinion

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09/29/2015

Minimum wage increases are just another progressive scam. Their "good" intentions result in higher prices for everyone, low income employees being fired and others getting reduced hours. The biggest argument they have is to say that you can't raise a family of 4 on minimum wage. News flash for Democratic morons: you are NOT supposed to support a family on minimum wages. Minimum wage jobs are designed to be temporary employment for those with no work experience and/or job skills (like teenagers). You do it for a couple of years, gain experience and get a better job. The truth is that Democrats want the poor to stay poor. That way they can ride in on their rainbow horse claiming to have the solutions to the poverty they perpetuate. Tada! Instant voting block.

Like (10)

jrs333's Opinion

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10/06/2015

These delegate should have their request honored. How would you feel if you were in their position and were ignored.

Like (4)

Abdullah-hakim's Opinion

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04/13/2016

I'm sure those workers have long hours & the cost of living is not accommodating to their wage. The reason why many companies are there is for the low wage for workers. I'd like to know the pay of management around there. Enough of the slave labor, if people are willing to work then let the work enable them not to just exist to come back the next day and do it all again for peanuts.

Like (2)

Argument opposed

The minimum wage increase should go ahead as scheduled, if American Samoa wanted to change it in advance they should have already.

operaman's Opinion

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09/28/2015

I would expect America Samoa government's officials know best. All they have to do is observe how Seattle's $15.00/Hr has caused increased unemployment and increases small business failures.

Like (21)

Kaleo's Opinion

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05/09/2016

I think that since we don't give American Samoans citizenship, we could increase their minimum wage.

Like (4)

educated-angry-black-feminist's Opinion

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11/25/2019

If we want to have providences, we need to take care of them.

Like (3)

What is House Bill H.R. 2617?

This bill would delay a scheduled increase of the minimum wage in American Samoa, which is scheduled to increase by 50 cents on September 30, 2015.

If enacted, this bill would keep American Samoa’s minimum wage at its current level through 2017.

Impact

Workers in American Samoa, the government of American Samoa, and the federal government.

Cost of House Bill H.R. 2617

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

More Information

In-Depth: Several of American Samoa’s largest businesses have questioned the wisdom of a minimum wage increase, and the issue is complicated by weak employment in the territory.

The government of American Samoa desires an increase in the minimum wage but has expressed concerns about the harm such a move may do to the territory’s canneries. The delegate who sponsored this legislation, Congresswoman Aumua Amata (R-AS) is hoping to find a way to have the territory’s minimum wage set by a local committee.

Media:

Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Flickr user benmiller23)

Official Title

An act to amend the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 to reduce a scheduled increase in the minimum wage applicable to American Samoa.

bill Progress

EnactedOctober 7th, 2015
The President signed this bill into law
The senate Passed September 30th, 2015
Passed by Voice Vote
The house Passed September 28th, 2015
Passed by Voice Vote
IntroducedJune 2nd, 2015

Bill Data

Issues

Committees

Committee on Education and Labor

Sponsor

Del Amata Radewagen

(R - AS)

0 Cosponsors

Introduced 06/02/2015

Full text of Bill

Chief's Opinion In Favor

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09/29/2015

Like (10)

operaman's Opinion Against

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09/28/2015

I would expect America Samoa government's officials know best. All they have to do is observe how Seattle's $15.00/Hr has caused increased unemployment and increases small business failures.

Like (21)

Aj's Public Comment

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09/12/2016

For those saying that minimum wage was not designed to be a living wage: From Cornel University: "The purpose of the minimum wage was to stabilize the post-depression economy and protect the workers in the labor force. The minimum wage was designed to create a minimum standard of living to protect the health and well-being of employees." Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/minimum_wage

Like (12)

Kleber's Opinion Against

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08/27/2016

Come on y'all it's only 50 cents

Like (12)

Finn's Public Comment

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08/15/2016

The People of the American territories suffer enough as it is. Some don't even receive citizenship and almost all are left stuck in a hopeless financial situation. Don't make it worse!

Like (6)

Kaleo's Opinion Against

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05/09/2016

I think that since we don't give American Samoans citizenship, we could increase their minimum wage.

Like (4)

jrs333's Opinion In Favor

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10/06/2015

These delegate should have their request honored. How would you feel if you were in their position and were ignored.

Like (4)

educated-angry-black-feminist's Opinion Against

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11/25/2019

If we want to have providences, we need to take care of them.

Like (3)

Lyric's Opinion Against

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02/09/2017

Minimum wage increases, where they have been elected, have been good for the economy. Please do not delay in minimum wage increase.

Like (3)

Alis's Opinion Against

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09/28/2015

I can't imagine any decent reason for not paying people a living wage. Perhaps we should see who financially benefits by putting this off. I bet it isn't any of the affected workers!

Like (2)

Abdullah-hakim's Opinion In Favor

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04/13/2016

Like (2)

Drew's Opinion Against

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01/13/2017

The people here who are saying that raising the wages will hurt the economy clearly haven't done there homework to see how ridiculously low the minimum wage in American Samoa even when compared to the already low Federal Minimum wage.

Like (2)

Oiva's Opinion Against

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01/16/2017

Greed from corporations must be stopped. Minimum wage is below what it needs to be.

Like (1)

John's Opinion In Favor

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10/08/2016

These people made their own decision, we should honor their right to self determination.

Like (1)

LukeDuke's Opinion In Favor

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08/21/2016

America Samoa should be allowed to make their own decisions. It's ridiculous that this day and age that these "territories" aren't states and their people are denied citizenship and the right to vote. It's not right that we allow this to happen to them. https://youtu.be/CesHr99ezWE

Like (1)

Brendan's Opinion In Favor

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05/10/2016

Higher minimum wage create more unemployment and more automation. Young people will also have greater trouble entering the job market. If anything, the minimum wage should be lowered, NOT raised.

Like (1)