Asked whether the Biden administration would be extending the nearly two-year hiatus for student loan payments on Friday, White House pres...
Asked whether the Biden administration would be extending the nearly two-year hiatus for student loan payments on Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters the pandemic-related pause would expire on Feb. 1.
“In the coming weeks, we will release more details about our plans,” she said. “We will engage directly with federal student loan borrowers to ensure they have the resources they need and are in the appropriate repayment plan.
“We are still assessing the impact of the omicron variant. A smooth transition back into repayment is a high priority for the administration. The Department of Education is already communicating with borrowers to help them to help to prepare for return to repayment on Feb. 1.”
Psaki added that “41 million borrowers … have benefitted from the extended student loan payment pause, but it expires Feb. 1, so right now we’re just making a range of preparations.”
The decision not to extend the pause came as a surprise to many liberals who had hoped that President Joe Biden would follow through on his campaign promise to forgive $10,000 of student loan debt per borrower.
Although the progressive wing of the party has urged him to forgive up to $50,000 of student loan debt per individual, during his campaign he said he would “support canceling $10,000 per borrower,” according to CNN.
The administration’s decision leaves many Democrats feeling outraged and bitter. The sense of entitlement and betrayal is great, particularly among those who can afford it the most.
Such as Michigan Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a member of the “squad” of far-left lawmakers:
And Chasten Buttigieg, the husband of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg:
Democratic Reps. Cori Bush of Missouri and Pramila Jayapal of Washington:
Biden should have thought about this when he made the pledge on the campaign trail — or, more accurately, in his basement. Many of those who voted for him feel betrayed and are running for the exits.
Some have taken to the public square to declare they regret voting for Biden and no longer support him.
A funny thing about campaign promises: Your constituents expect you to honor them.
The Democratic base is insatiable. Those on the left quickly forget about the 10 things the government has done to make their lives easier as they dwell on the one left undone.
Will these voters actually bail on the party?
Perhaps a few.
But I would bet that in the end, most Democrats, particularly the most progressive among them, will vote for their own.
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