Stopping Biden's Socialist Student Loan Handouts

Dear Friend,

I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well!

Last August, Joe Biden announced his fundamentally unfair plan to cancel up to $10,000 in student loans for individuals making up to $125,000 and $20,000 in loans for Pell grant recipients. There is no such thing as “forgiveness,” and Joe Biden’s big government socialist proposal wouldn’t just miraculously make student loan debt disappear.

This radical move would cost hardworking taxpayers at least $500 billion – meaning Americans who have fully paid off their student loans, worked hard to pay for their education, or chose not to enroll in college are stuck footing the bill.

Even though 87% of adults in the U.S. don’t have student loans, Biden is attempting to side-step Congress and implement a policy that spends $500 billion in American tax dollars to pay off the debt of those who do have loans. By dumping this unnecessary spending into an already uneasy economy, this policy will continue to drive up inflation. Simply put, hardworking Americans are not responsible for paying off the student loan debt of others.

Currently, the Supreme Court is debating the constitutionality of Biden's proposal. In order to put this entire discussion to rest, I recently introduced H.R. 1622, the Student Loan Accountability Act. This legislation prohibits the Biden Administration from canceling student loan debt on a mass scale and prevents forgiven loans from being tax-exempt. Additionally, this bill blocks the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from sharing American’s tax data for the purpose of implementing mass loan cancellation.

Congress must focus on market driven solutions that bring down the cost of higher education, including reducing the government’s role in the student loan market.

Ferguson in the Field

During the district work period last week, my schedule was jam-packed with site visits to local businesses, schools, and community events - and I also met with many residents to learn about what’s impacting the Third District.

To start off the week, I participated in the Manchester High School Report Card Conferences and took a tour of the wraparound center at the high school. This center is run by Kay Williams and is a new addition to the high school that focuses on the student's health and well-being. Thank you to Dr. Robert Griffin, the Meriwether County school superintendent, and all those who welcomed me at the event! Please see the photos from Manchester High School that follow:

Following the Manchester High School Report Card Conferences, I traveled to visit the folks at Warm Springs Medical Center. We had a productive discussion where I learned more about the specific issues facing rural health care providers. Thank you to their CEO Karen Daniel and all the folks at the medical center for having me!

I then headed over to Rinnai America Corporation’s Griffin manufacturing facility. Rinnai is the number 1 tankless water heater brand in America, and their U.S. headquarters is located right in Peachtree City. The Griffin based manufacturing plant employs 300 folks from our local community. I enjoyed the tour and the opportunity to get a first-hand look at their manufacturing process.

On Tuesday morning, I met and spoke with students at St. George’s Episcopal School in Milner. We discussed what being a Member of Congress means, and what I do in Washington, D.C to help our local community. I also took some very informative questions from the students. Thanks for having me!

Following the visit with students at St. George’s Episcopal School, I headed over to the Heard County Chamber of Commerce to meet with local constituents. I gave a legislative update and had a robust discussion with those in attendance.

On Wednesday, I attended the Columbus Rotary Club. The meeting had a big crowd, and I appreciate President Cedric Hill giving me the opportunity to share a Washington update. I also spoke with Chuck Williams, WRBL reporter, to discuss some news of the day.

Click here to see the full interview.

The Week Ahead

The House of Representatives returns to Washington, D.C. this week following the district work period and will consider the following pieces of legislation this week:

H.R. 1093 - To direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on implementation of the advanced capabilities pillar of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States
H.R. 1159 - To amend the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 to require periodic reviews and updated reports relating to the Department of State's Taiwan Guidelines
H.R. 406 - Providing Appropriate Recognition and Treatment Needed to Enhance Relations with ASEAN Act
H. Con. Res. 25 - Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.R. 5 - Parents Bill of Rights Act
H.J. Res. 30 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights"
H.R. 5 - Parents Bill of Rights Act

As always, I’m here to serve you. Please contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to keep track of upcoming legislation and events!

Sincerely,

Drew Ferguson
Member of Congress