Supreme Court Strikes Down Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan
In a blow to President Joe Biden’s efforts to provide relief to millions of Americans burdened by student loan debt, the Supreme Court has struck down his student loan forgiveness plan. The 6-3 decision, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, claimed that the federal government lacked the authority for the plan. However, Justice Elena Kagan pointed out in her dissent that it was the majority, not the government, that overreached.
The Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act (HEROES Act) grants the executive branch the authority to provide relief to student loan recipients during a “national emergency” to prevent them from being in a worse financial position. The Biden administration used this language to create a program for student loan debt relief, citing the pandemic as the national emergency. This policy not only aimed to help those with significant debts but also stimulate the larger economy.
Despite the clear statutory text, the conservative majority on the Supreme Court deemed the federal law ambiguous. They relied on a legal approach described by Justice Kagan as “made up” to strike down the Biden administration’s program entirely.
This decision delivers a one-two punch to millions of young adults. Congressional Republicans’ insistence on restarting loan payments, combined with the Supreme Court’s rejection of the debt forgiveness plan, leaves many struggling to repay their loans.
President Biden, who recently criticized the Supreme Court for ending affirmative action in higher education admissions, expressed his disappointment in a written statement. He called out Republican elected officials for their hypocrisy, highlighting their support for pandemic-related loans to businesses while opposing relief for hard-working Americans.
However, Biden remains determined to find alternative ways to deliver relief to middle-class families. He plans to announce new measures in the coming hours, with a focus on pursuing related goals through the Higher Education Act, although he acknowledged that this may take longer.
Stay tuned for updates on the White House’s plan to address the student loan crisis.
