Three states led by GOP leaders have taken the step to request the Supreme Court to temporarily halt President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program. The urgent appeal was directed to Justice Neil Gorsuch, who may decide on his own or involve his colleagues in the decision-making process. It is expected that the court will ask for a response brief from the government, and a court order could be issued in the coming days or weeks.
Alaska, Texas, and South Carolina are the states behind the emergency application to block the implementation of Biden’s student loan handout plan. These states are seeking to lift the temporary stay that was put in place by a federal appeals court in Denver. The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, announced by the Biden administration, aimed to assist millions of borrowers in reducing their monthly loan payments and ultimately achieving debt forgiveness. The lower payments were scheduled to begin on July 1 for approximately 8 million borrowers enrolled in the program.
In their application to Justice Gorsuch, the Attorneys General of South Carolina, Texas, and Alaska expressed concerns about the administration’s actions, urging the court to intervene due to the urgency of the situation. They highlighted the need for legal certainty, especially when significant amounts of money are involved, and emphasized the importance of upholding federal law integrity.
President Biden had introduced the SAVE plan earlier, which included provisions for canceling debt for borrowers meeting specific criteria. However, the Supreme Court previously ruled against the administration’s attempt to cancel a large amount of student loan debt, stating that federal law did not allow for such actions. Despite this setback, Biden remains committed to pursuing his student debt relief plan.
It is crucial for the Supreme Court to address the concerns raised by these states and ensure that legal standards are upheld in matters of significant financial impact. The decision regarding the fate of Biden’s student loan forgiveness program will have far-reaching implications for millions of borrowers across the country. The court’s ruling in this case will serve as a critical juncture in determining the future of student loan policies and the extent of executive authority in such matters.