Our valiant Republican Senators, Bill Cassidy, John Cornyn, and Joni Ernst, have introduced a bill to block President Joe Biden’s poorly thought-out plan to forgive college loan debt for federal borrowers.
In a move that showcases their dedication to the principles of fiscal responsibility and fairness, they’re using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to reverse Biden’s plan that would forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt for those earning less than $125,000 annually.
The CRA is a powerful tool Congress can use to overturn final rules set by government agencies.
The Senate education committee sought guidance from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) about whether Biden’s debt relief plan could be subject to the CRA.
The GAO confirmed that the plan does indeed fall under the definition of a rule under the CRA and that no exception applies.
In other words, the Education Department’s waivers and modifications are subject to the requirement that they be submitted to Congress.
Senator Cassidy, in his statement, hit the nail on the head when he said, “President Biden’s student loan scheme does not ‘forgive’ debt; it just transfers the burden from those who willingly took out loans to those who never went to college or sacrificed to pay their loans off.”
Cassidy also pointed out the blatant unfairness in Biden’s plan, asking, “Where is the relief for the man who skipped college but is paying off his work truck, or the woman who paid off her loans and is now struggling to afford her mortgage?”
The resolution prevents these Americans from being forced to shoulder the burden of an irresponsible and unjust policy.
The GAO’s decision highlights that the CRA was created to strengthen congressional oversight of agency rulemaking.
Given that the Education Department’s debt relief plan was published in the Federal Register and modifies student loan balances, it is considered a rule that implements law and policy.
As such, it is subject to congressional review under the CRA. Despite the GAO’s decision, the Education Department insists that the debt relief plan is not subject to the CRA, claiming it is a “one-time, fact-bound application of existing and statutorily prescribed waiver and modification authority.”
However, it’s clear that our GOP Senators are taking a stand to ensure that the Biden administration is held accountable for their actions and that fairness prevails in the student loan debate.
In conclusion, it’s refreshing to see our Republican Senators fighting against an administration that seems more concerned with pandering to a select group rather than providing relief to all hardworking Americans.
The GOP’s unwavering commitment to upholding fiscal responsibility and fairness is a testament to their dedication to the American people.