Schumer predicts wage deal in six months

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Monday said he predicts Congress will reach a deal on the minimum wage this year.

“We’ll get a deal on minimum wage within the next six months,” Schumer said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “There are lots of different areas where we can compromise.”

Schumer remained confident that Republicans would cave and agree to Democrats’ proposal to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour. 

{mosads}“$10.10 is important for one reason,” he said. “You should have a fair shot at getting out of poverty if you work 40 hours a week.”

Last week, Democrats failed to receive the 60 votes needed to advance a bill that would raise it to $10.10 an hour.

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) also suggested on “Morning Joe” last week he would be open to increasing the minimum wage if the Keystone pipeline is approved in exchange.

Schumer stopped short of specifically endorsing that option but said lawmakers will vote on the pipeline. 

“I think there will be a vote on Keystone. We’re willing to see a vote on Keystone,” he said.

The senator said Keystone is “a lot less important” than it needs to be, and suggested Democrats and Republicans are exaggerating their sides of the issue. 

President Obama is expected to issue the final decision over the construction of the pipeline’s northern leg, but it will likely be delayed until after the midterm elections.