Of the 3.66 million workers in the U.S. who are paid the minimum wage of $4.25 an hour, 63 percent are women. The debate to raise the minimum wage 90 cents over a two year period is currently dividing Congress by party lines. Republicans have generally opposed an increase, fearful that it will contribute to a loss of jobs, but have recently expressed a willingness to compromise with the Democrats, who have been hoping to pass an increase this year. A poll conducted by The New York Times and CBS News shows that 84 percent of Americans support an increase in the minimum wage. Since the last time the minimum wage was raised, in 1991, its buying value has dropped by 50 cents.
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