WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday vetoed legislation that would have reversed his plan to cancel student debt.
The measure had been pushed by Republicans, but it also garnered a handful of Democratic votes in the Senate.
“It is a disgrace to working families across the country that lawmakers continue to pursue this unprecedented attempt to deny critical assistance to millions of their own constituents,” Biden said in a statement announcing his veto.
Despite the veto, Biden’s plan is still not secure. The US Supreme Court, which is dominated by a conservative majority, is considering a legal challenge that could eliminate the program. A decision is expected this summer.
If passed, Biden’s plan would forgive up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt for borrowers earning less than $125,000 a year.
Student loan repayments were halted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they will resume in August for anyone whose debt is not cleared by Biden’s plan.