Protect Student Loan Borrowers & Preserve Existing Programs

We, the undersigned, urge Congress to protect critical student loan and federal aid programs that are at risk of being cut. The proposed dismantling of the Department of Education and elimination of many essential programs would jeopardize access to education and implement higher monthly payments for millions of student loan borrowers.

We call upon Congress to:

- Reject any efforts that defund or eliminate critical student loan and federal aid programs.
- Preserve the Department of Education and its role in safeguarding borrower protections, loan programs, and borrower and student rights.
- Ensure that Income-Driven Repayment plans, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Pell Grants, and other critical borrower programs remain fully funded and accessible.

By taking these actions, Congress can demonstrate its commitment to millions of Americans, including student loan borrowers and students. 

Reports indicate that Congress wants to cut more than 330 billion dollars from the Department of Education budget, which puts student loan and federal aid programs at risk of being drastically cut or even eliminated completely. This extensive funding cut would leave ED unable to provide essential functions such as distributing funds, managing loans, and enforcing accessibility and equity in education. 

Proposals to dismantle or significantly reduce the Department of Education's capacity directly threaten the administration of federal student aid programs. These programs, including Income-Driven Repayment plans, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Pell Grants, and other initiatives, provide vital financial support, ensuring that higher education remains accessible and affordable. Any disruption to its operations could lead to additional processing delays, errors, and a lack of servicer oversight, adversely affecting students and borrowers nationwide. Eliminating or transferring these programs to different agencies without explicit protections could reduce funding, weaken oversight, and reduce opportunities for borrowers who rely on them.

Education is a pillar of economic mobility and opportunity in our country. We urge Congress to take decisive action to defend these programs and ensure that all borrowers have the support they need to succeed.