U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) on Sept. 13 joined several other Republicans to introduce legislation that would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $11 an hour over four years.

The Higher Wages for American Workers Act of 2023, S. 2785, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and has five original cosponsors, including Sens. Cassidy, Capito, and Collins, also would permanently establish the E-Verify employment eligibility verification system and mandate the use of E-Verify by all employers, according to the text of the bill.

“We need to have a responsible conversation about how to increase the minimum wage for American workers,” said Sen. Cassidy, who added he was proud to support “legislation that provides a measured approach to raising the minimum wage while also protecting American jobs.”

If enacted, S. 2785 also would index future minimum wage increases to inflation every two years moving forward, and would provide a slower phase-in for small businesses with fewer than 20 employees, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“Few issues are as important to the American people as the availability of good jobs in our communities, and I recognize the difficulties for anyone who is trying to make ends meet while earning the federal minimum wage that has clearly not kept pace with inflation,” Sen. Collins said. “Our bill provides a common-sense solution to increase wages for millions of Americans for the first time in 10 years, while avoiding the unintended consequence of small businesses being forced to eliminate jobs or reduce hours for their employees.”

Additionally, H.R. 2785 would raise civil and criminal penalties on employers that hire unauthorized aliens and/or violate I-9 paperwork requirements, and require workers aged 18 years and older to provide a photo ID to their employer for verification, which will be cross-referenced if a photo is available through the E-Verify system, the summary says.

“The Higher Wages for American Workers Act successfully balances the needs of employers with opportunities for employees, which is critical,” Sen. Capito said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation, which demonstrates that long-term solutions can be put forth and debated outside of a partisan process.”

The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.