Congress Has a Chance to Fix the Student-Loan Mess
A Republican proposal points the way to a simpler, fairer system.
There’s a better way.
Photographer: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
Congressional negotiators trying to craft a new fiscal-stimulus package have been discussing how to help the nearly 45 million Americans with student-loan debt. In March, the CARES Act excused borrowers from making monthly payments until the end of September. By executive action, President Trump has extended relief for most borrowers (though the details aren’t yet clear) through the end of this year.
With unemployment still extremely high and millions of Americans under severe financial stress, it’s right to extend the reprieve. But this is not a long-term solution. Now would be a good time to fix the underlying student-loan system once and for all.