WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.) said he is once again disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Court and their decision to not forgive over half a trillion dollars in student loan debt.
“I find the Supreme Court’s decision to halt President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan extremely disappointing," said Thompson, of Mississippi Second Congressional District which represents all of the Mississippi Delta. "The burden of student debt poses a serious obstacle to students and their families who are attempting to improve their lives and create better futures.
"This plan would have provided much-needed relief to millions of struggling Americans who are burdened with the crippling weight of student loan debt. Thompson added.
The case made it to the high court after Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced a substantial student-loan debt-forgiveness plan (Plan). That plan would have "discharged $10,000 to $20,000 of an eligible borrower’s debt, depending on criteria such as the borrower’s income and the type of loan held."
The Secretary invoked the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 (HEROES Act), which authorizes the Secretary “to waive or modify any provision” applicable to federal “student financial assistance” programs “as may be necessary to ensure that . . . recipients of student financial assistance” are no worse off “financially in relation to that financial assistance because” of a national emergency or disaster.
The Supreme Court decision was a traditional 6-3 vote with Chief Justice John Roberts delivering the opinion of the Court, in which Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil gorsuch, Brett Kavanagh and Amy Coney agreed and Barrett filed a concurring opinion
Justice Elena Kagan authored the dissenting opinion, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson and summarized from the bench that the court was exceeding "its proper, limited role in our nation's governance."
Congressman Thompson said a different ruling would have been a windfall for many fresh out of college and struggling to start their careers.
“This relief could have been a significant stimulus to our economy, helping create jobs and a more prosperous future for all Americans," said Thompson. "The current decision is disheartening and must be urgently addressed. As the Biden Administration works to alleviate financial struggles for many Americans, they should have the authority to make decisions that impact borrowers.”
