Biden vetoes measure halting student debt relief

Despite Biden's attempt to paint opposition to his plan as largely partisan, the measure earned the support of several moderate Democrats to clear the upper chamber.

By Ben Whedon

Published: June 7, 2023 10:25pm

President Joe Biden on Wednesday vetoed a plan to cancel his student debt relief plan.

Biden announced last year that he would forgive up to $10,000 in student debt for most borrowers and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. The plan has encountered legal scrutiny and intense criticism from Republicans, who argue that it unfairly rewards high income earners at the expense of those earning more modest incomes.

"Congressional Republicans led an effort to pass a bill blocking my Administration’s plan to provide up to $20,000 in student debt relief to working and middle class Americans," Biden said. "I won’t back down on helping hardworking folks. That’s why I’m vetoing this bill."

The Republican-led House passed the plan to cancel the program in May by a 218-203 margin, while the Senate did so earlier this month by a 52-46 margin. Despite Biden's attempt to paint opposition to his plan as largely partisan, the measure earned the support of several moderate Democrats to clear the upper chamber.

The Supreme Court has already heard arguments over the plan, with many of the conservative justices expressing skepticism of the administration's authority to unilaterally cancel large amounts of debt.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.