US President Barack Obama says hardworking Americans deserve a vote in Congress on a minimum raise hike. In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama says six states have already raised their minimum wage and more are considering it. Obama says he's taken action, too, by raising wages for federal contractors. He says now it's up to Congress to finish the job by passing legislation raising the federal minimum to $10.10 per hour. Obama is praising retailer The Gap for deciding to pay its employees higher wages. He says the move will benefit about 65,000 workers and help the economy. In the Republican address, Rep. Tom Cotton of Arkansas says Obama's policies spend too much and concentrate power in Washington. He says Republicans want to repair the damage Obama has inflicted.
