Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Stevens, Adams, Ross Introduce Legislation to Deliver Relief for Federal Student Loan Borrowers

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) with Congresswomen Haley Stevens (MI-11), Alma Adams (NC-12), and Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced a suite of bills: the Clean Slate through Rehabilitation Act, the Clean Slate Through Consolidation Act, and the Clean Slate Through Repayment Act to remove default records from the credit history of federal student loan borrowers who have acted to rectify their defaulted loan. The Congresswoman introduced similar legislation in the 118th and 117th Congress. 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:

“I struggled to repay my student loans long after graduating. I understand the burden they place on a budget. Today, default and delinquency rates are reaching record highs, while Trump kicks over 7 million people off of the SAVE Program. We cannot abandon our students to drown in their debts. The student debt crisis demands a response, especially while everything from housing to groceries is getting more expensive. The Clean Slate series offers people the second chance they need to build on their education and escape the crushing weight of student loan debt.”

“Michiganders who make a good faith effort to pay off their student loans deserve a fair chance to reestablish their credit and participate in our economy,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “I am proud to join with my colleagues on this legislation that empowers borrowers to get back on track and start saving for their future.”

“As a first-generation college student, I know how hard it is to make ends meet and pay for college,” said Congresswoman Adams (NC-12), founder and co-chair of the HBCU Caucus. “That’s why the Clean Slate Series is so necessary. Burdensome student loan debt is dragging down millions of our best and brightest, preventing borrowers across generations from qualifying for the credit they need to buy a house, lease a car, or start a business. These three bills help borrowers hit the reset button and unlock a brighter future for themselves and their families. Especially in the wake of the Supreme Court’s denial of debt relief to millions of Americans, student loan debt remains a serious and often unfair burden for our families. I promised action on student loan debt, and with these three bills, Congresswomen Stevens, Ross, Williams, and I intend to deliver.”

“Our nation is facing an unprecedented cost of living and student debt crisis, and too many young Americans are struggling to repay their student loans while staying afloat financially,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Americans should not be burdened with a poor credit history for seeking an education and making good faith attempts to pay off their loans. The high cost of education has prevented many young people from not only achieving their dreams but reaching the hallmarks of financial stability – whether it’s buying a home, owning a car, starting a business, or saving for the future. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing a series of bills to help borrowers get a clean slate and reach their goals.”

This legislation has been endorsed by National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS), and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), and the Center for Responsible Lending.

Click here to read the text of the Clean Slate through Rehabilitation Act

Click here to read the one-pager on the Clean Slate through Rehabilitation Act

Congresswoman Nikema Williams proudly serves Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District on the exclusive Financial Services Committee. She is a champion of voting rights and builds on the Fifth District’s legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement. Congresswoman Williams is committed to closing the racial wealth gap and ensuring the promise of America for all–regardless of your ZIP code or bank account.

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