Lawmakers react to decision blocking Biden’s student loan debt relief: ‘Publicity stunt’
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Lawmakers in Florida are reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision that blocks President Joe Biden’s $400 billion plan to cancel or reduce federal student loan debts for millions of Americans.
The court reportedly ruled that the White House “lacked the legal authorization to provide billions in federal loan forgiveness for borrowers, absent clear authorization from Congress.”
Biden responded to the news Friday and said, “Unthinkable. This fight isn’t over. I’ll have more to announce when I address the nation this afternoon.”
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said the program was a “publicity stunt.”
“Biden’s student loan ‘forgiveness’ program was a publicity stunt & unconstitutional. Finally, some common sense after Biden wanted hard working Americans like plumbers and welders to pay for elite lawyers’ law school bills,” Scott said.
Biden’s student loan ‘forgiveness’ program was a publicity stunt & unconstitutional.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) June 30, 2023
Finally, some common sense after Biden wanted hard working Americans like plumbers and welders to pay for elite lawyers' law school bills.
The student loan debt forgiveness plan was one of Biden’s key 2020 election campaign promises.
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., said the ruling is a “pivotal reminder of our system of checks and balances that President Biden was attempting to trample on with his unconstitutional plan…”
Donalds said lawmakers should “evaluate ways to lower the cost of higher education and promote alternatives to college – creating more opportunities and economic mobility for countless Americans.”
— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) June 30, 2023
State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, expressed her disappointment.
“Incredibly disappointed by this decision but not surprised. This Supreme Court is overwhelmingly taking us back in time and hindering American progress,” Eskamani said.
Incredibly disappointed by this decision but not surprised. This Supreme Court is overwhelmingly taking us back in time and hindering American progress. https://t.co/rnrGiGc6VE
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) June 30, 2023
U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., said a protest is happening at the Supreme Court on the “shame decision regarding student debt,” and asked people to join.
“This is NOT OVER. The President should address the nation and reassure folks with a plan b to save student loan forgiveness. We must continue to fight and not give up on this,” Frost said.
This is NOT OVER. The President should address the nation and reassure folks with a plan b to save student loan forgiveness. We must continue to fight and not give up on this. https://t.co/mZyW6Ufipd
— Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@MaxwellFrostFL) June 30, 2023
