WASHINGTON, D.C., June 30, 2023 – Today the Supreme Court issued a ruling blocking President Biden’s plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt relief for borrowers making less than $250,000.
The decision comes in a pair of cases challenging the plan: Department of Education v. Brown and Biden v. Nebraska. In neither of these cases was any evidence provided that anyone would suffer because of the debt relief plan, nor that Biden lacked the authority to issue it. While Brown was tossed on standing, the Court nevertheless concluded in Biden v. Nebraska that the president had exceeded his authority, blocking the plan.
Alliance for Justice President Rakim H.D. Brooks issued the following statement:
“Justice Kagan reminds us, ‘Courts must still ‘function as courts,’ this one no less than others.’ Sadly, the Trump Court is not interested in boundaries or equity or even its own rules and precedent. Today, John Roberts announced that the whole student loan case turned on a single word: modify. To most human beings who have ever held a loan, a modification could surely include cancellation of some part of their debt. But not under this Court, and not when the interests of the rich and powerful are at stake.
“Student loan debt relief would have made a huge difference in thousands of lives at a time when the cost of living is higher than ever. The President’s plan would have particularly helped Black and Latinx borrowers, veterans, and those working in vital service industries like teachers and nurses — except this Court said no.
“I can only hope that the president is prepared to do what is necessary to effectuate his plan, and that the 40 million of us saddled with student debt continue to fight for the economic freedom we deserve.”