The US house of representatives has overwhelmingly passed a bill, delaying minimum wage increases in American Samoa for 2010 and 2011, and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for 2011.
The next 50 cent increase to the minimum wage is due to go into effect today.
Under a federal law passed in 2007 minimum wages in American Samoa and the CNMI are to be increased annually until they reach the federal wage of $7.25 an hour.
American Samoa's US Congressman, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin says it passed by a vote of 386 to 5.
The bill passed the Senate the night before by Unanimous Consent and is now awaiting the President's signature.
