Appeals court places temporary block on President Biden's student debt relief
A federal appeals court on Friday placed a temporary hold on President Biden's student debt forgiveness program while it considers an ongoing challenge to the initiative, throwing a wrench into one of the president's major agenda items.
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals halted the Biden administration's move in response to an appeal from a coalition of six GOP-led states to temporarily block the implementation of the program. The GOP coalition, made up of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Iowa had appealed to the circuit court after their initial lawsuit against the Biden administration was dismissed, with CNN reporting the court did not feel the lawsuit met the threshold to continue.
Prior to the temporary hold, the student debt forgiveness program was slated to begin as early as Sunday, with eligible borrowers able to relieve up to $20,000 in debt, the U.S. Department of Education said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In response to the block, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre encouraged those who were eligible to apply for the relief, adding that the block does not prevent the Biden administration from reviewing relief applications. She also noted that the court's decision only placed a temporary pause on the program until the case had been argued.
President Biden lambasted Republicans who he claimed were trying to oppose student debt relief while at the same time applying for pandemic relief loans of their own. "Who the hell do they think they are?" Biden said during a speech in Delaware.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
DOJ settles with Nassar victims for $138M
Speed Read The settlement includes 139 sexual abuse victims of the former USA Gymnastics doctor
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
14 recent scientific breakthroughs
In Depth From photos of the infant universe to an energy advancement that could save the planet
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Who will win the 2024 presidential election?
In Depth Election year is here. Who are pollsters and experts predicting to win the White House?
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Who will win the 2024 presidential election?
In Depth Election year is here. Who are pollsters and experts predicting to win the White House?
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Make legal immigration a more plausible option'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
'Elevating Earth Day into a national holiday is not radical — it's practical'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine cheers House approval of military aid
Speed Read Following a lengthy struggle, the House has approved $95 billion in aid for Ukraine and Israel
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Republicans want to silence Israel's opponents'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Poland, Germany nab alleged anti-Ukraine spies
Speed Read A man was arrested over a supposed Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel hits Iran with retaliatory airstrike
Speed Read The attack comes after Iran's drone and missile barrage last weekend
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Peter Murrell: Sturgeon's husband charged over SNP 'embezzlement' claims
Speed Read SNP expresses 'shock' as former chief executive rearrested in long-running investigation into claims of mishandled campaign funds
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published