President Biden made it clear that he believes Republicans are to blame for the Supreme Court’s decision to shoot down his plan for student loan forgiveness. After the June 30th ruling, Biden, 80, voiced his frustration and accused Republicans of obstructing his efforts to provide financial relief to Americans.
In response, The White House has tried to assure the public that the fight for student loan relief is not over, and Biden says he is determined to find another way to get debt relief for those who need it.
A source within the White House told People Magazine: “While we strongly disagree with the court, we prepared for this scenario.” The insider added, regarding the 6-3 Biden v. Nebraska ruling: “The president will make clear he’s not done fighting yet, and will announce new actions to protect student loan borrowers.”
Supreme Court Blocks Biden's Student Loan Forgiveness Plan, Biden Administration Says Republicans at Fault
When The Supreme Court assessed the Biden administration's plan to relieve approximately $20,000 in student loans for eligible borrowers, they focused on arguments around whether a president and his cabinet "have the power to launch such a program without congressional authorization," as People reports.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the court's opinion: "The question here is not whether something should be done; it is who has the authority to do it." Roberts said that "precedent—old and new—requires that Congress speak clearly before a Department Secretary can unilaterally alter large sections of the American economy."
Even though his initial plan was shot down and Congress is divided, Biden has "few options to follow through on student debt relief" in the way he had hoped on the 2020 campaign trail, People notes, but he isn't blaming himself.
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The White House insider noted that Biden's team will "be making it crystal clear to borrowers and their families that Republicans are responsible for denying them the relief that President Biden has been fighting to get to them."
In the suit that was filed against Biden, the six involved states were led by Republican attorney generals. This ultimately led to a chain reaction that prevented Biden from keeping one of his most memorable and notable campaign promises.
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"The hypocrisy of Republican elected officials is stunning," Biden said in a statement. "They had no problem with billions in pandemic-related loans to businesses — including hundreds of thousands and in some cases millions of dollars for their own businesses."
He added: "And those loans were forgiven. But when it came to providing relief to millions of hard-working Americans, they did everything in their power to stop it."
