A bill calling for a delay in the 50-cent increase in the Northern Marianas minimum wage next month and in 2015 has passed the US Senate.
The bill, which also extends the CW and E2-C investor visa programme beyond next year, now goes to the US House of Representatives for approval.
The current CNMI minimum wage is 5 dollars and 55 cents an hour.
The territory's delegate, Gregorio Kilili Sablan, says the bill delaying minimum wage increases in the CNMI will allow more time for local businesses to adjust and the economy to improve.
