This week, House Republicans passed H.J. Res. 45, in which Congress disapproved of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to “Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans.” Joe Biden has repeatedly extended the pause on student loan payment that was instituted under the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the administration's direction, the Department of Education has attempted to advance a student loan forgiveness policy through various initiatives such as their “One-Time Federal Student Loan Debt Relief” announcement. By enacting H.J. Res. 45, House Republicans have ensured that no such action will be permissible without Congressional approval.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan could cost the federal government up to $400 billion and further burden the America taxpayer. Rather than curtail higher education costs and hold those who have taken student loans accountable, Joe Biden enacted a policy that would penalize the 87 percent of hard-working Americans who either responsibly paid off their student loans or chose not to take any out. This policy is blatantly unconstitutional and will only continue the administration's history of inflationary policies. Even Speaker Pelosi previously stated, “people think that the President of the United States has the power for debt forgiveness. He does not. He can postpone. He can delay. But he does not have that power. That has to be an act of Congress. The President can't do it. So that's not even a discussion.”
Loans do not disappear. It is up to the borrower to responsibly pay off their student loans. Borrowers decide how to spend their time in college. Individuals may pursue an education that will lead to a stable and well-paying job. Some may take risks and pursue less lucrative or stable fields while chasing a passion. Others may choose to pursue degrees with no real world applications or limited ability to make money after graduation. Any of these paths are the sole decision of those borrowing money to pursue their education, and the burden of repaying those debts rests only with the individuals who borrowed it. This is especially true when considering the effect on individuals who chose to forgo higher education to pursue a trade, vocation or entrepreneurship.
I will continue to support congressional measures that challenge any attempts by the left or the Biden administration to forgive student loan debts. Such debt forgiveness would only encourage individuals to continue to take on financial obligations which they cannot repay. The loan forgiveness would also create a precedent which could contribute to a pattern of politicians granting debt relief to voters most likely to vote for them. Either outcome is unacceptable. I remain committed to being a good steward of the taxpayer dollar.