WASHINGTON (AP) — Moderate Republican Sen. Susan Collins says she expects to oppose the Democratic effort to raise the federal minimum wage, all but dooming the election-year proposal.
The Senate is expected to vote Wednesday on the measure. It would gradually raise today's $7.25 hourly minimum to $10.10 over 30 months.
The long-shot measure needs GOP support to survive but faces strong Republican opposition. Democrats think the vote will help them cast Republicans as uninterested in helping low-wage workers.
Collins has said she's been seeking a compromise with senators from both parties.
The Maine senator tells a reporter there is interest among about a dozen lawmakers, but no consensus on a plan.
She said she expects to oppose the bill because she believes Democrats won't let her try to amend the measure.