Congresswomen Williams, Stevens, Adams and Ross Introduce Legislation to Deliver Relief for Federal Student Loan Borrowers

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) with Congresswomen Haley Stevens (D-MI), Alma Adams (D-NC), and Deborah Ross (D-NC) 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 117^th Congress. 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:

“Now that the Supreme Court ruled, we will return to the failed status quo on student loan debt, it is more urgent than ever to bring relief to the 44.7 million people struggling to repay student loans. I know how devastating this ruling is, because I’ve struggled to repay my loans well after graduating. With the Clean Slate Legislative Series, we can give people burdened with student loan debt a true second chance. This will create economic opportunities for people to buy a home, start a business, or lead the lives they want.” 

“I am proud to be a part of this comprehensive effort to deliver life-changing relief for our federal student loan borrowers,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “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 package of legislation empowers borrowers to get back on the right track and escape the lasting shadow of their student loan debt once and for all.”

“As a first-generation college student, I know how hard it is to make ends meet and pay for college,” said Congresswoman Adams, 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 student debt crisis, and many young Americans are burdened with an adverse credit history as a result,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Students should not be punished for seeking an education, but the high cost of learning has prevented many young people from pursuing their dreams. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing a series of bills that will help borrowers recover from crippling student loan debt and reach their goals – whether it’s buying a home, owning a car, starting a business, or saving for the future.”

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

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov 

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 as co-chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. 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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