Senate Republicans have blocked a measure that would have raised the federal minimum wage. Promoted heavily by President Obama, the bill would have brought the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour over the next three years, up from the current rate of $7.25 an hour. It would have been the first such hike in five years. But in a nearly party line vote, Democrats fell eight votes shy of the 60 needed to avoid a filibuster. Speaking at the White House, President Obama denounced the Republican stance.

President Obama: “By preventing even a vote on this bill, they prevented a raise for 28 million hard-working Americans. They said no to helping millions work their way out of poverty. And keep in mind, this bill would have done so without any new taxes or spending or bureaucracy. They told Americans, like the ones who are here today, that you’re on your own — without even looking them in the eye.”