WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) joined Congresswomen Haley Stevens (MI-11), Deborah Ross (NC-02), and Alma Adams (NC-12) to introduce The Clean Slate Through Consolidation Act, a bill to remove default records from the credit history of federal student loan borrowers who have consolidated their defaulted loan. This legislation complements Congresswoman Williams’ Student Loan Rehabilitation and Credit Score Improvement Act and Congresswoman Ross’ Clean Slate through Repayment Act, both of which were already introduced and provide relief to the credit scores of student loan borrowers working hard to get out of default.

Congresswoman Williams said: 

“I understand the struggle of massive student debt because I’m living it. I’ve heard from too many borrowers who have worked hard to recover from defaulted loans only to be held back by lingering negative credit reports. The Clean Slate Through Consolidation Act will provide a true second chance. As I continue to push for student debt cancellation, I’m committed to finding solutions to ease the burden for everyone grappling with student debt.” 

Congresswoman Stevens said: 

“I am proud to be a part of this comprehensive effort to deliver life-changing relief for our federal student loan borrowers. Americans who pursue an education and make a good faith effort to pay off their loans deserve a fair chance to reestablish their credit and participate in our economy. This legislation empowers borrowers to get back on the right track and escape the lasting shadow of their student loan debt once and for all.”

Congresswoman Ross said: 

“The high cost of education in our country has created an unprecedented student debt crisis that has left many young Americans with crippling student loans. Burdened by these loans and the accompanying adverse credit history, students are having a hard time reaching their goals – whether it’s buying a home, owning a car, or saving for the future. I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to ensure students who complete loan consolidation are not burdened with bad credit for years to come. Together, the three bills we have introduced will remove some of the most substantial barriers student borrowers face in their pursuit of the American dream.”

Congresswoman Adams, founder and co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus said: 

I am proud to be joining my colleagues in introducing the Clean Slate Through Consolidation Act. Student debt continues to remain a serious impediment for those aspiring to pursue higher education. It shouldn’t have to be that way. Education is empowerment, and we should continue to pursue policies which empower students.”

The Clean Slate Through Consolidation Act has been endorsed by The Center for Responsible Lending, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, The Institute for College Access & Success, and the American Federation of Teachers.  

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Nikema Williams proudly serves Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. Congresswoman Williams serves on the exclusive Financial Services Committee where she is Vice Chair of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Select Committee for the Modernization of Congress. She is Freshman Class President and Co-Chairs the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. Congresswoman Williams builds on the Fifth District’s legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement as a champion of voting rights, closing the racial wealth gap, and ensuring the promise of America for all–regardless of their ZIP code or bank account.

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