Underwood Successful in Efforts to Extend Student Loan Relief; Applauds Department of Education Announcement Extending Student Loan Forbearance

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) applauded the Department of Education's announcement extending the suspension of loan payments, interest accrual, and involuntary collections on federal student loans through January 31, 2021. The extension will help millions of student loan borrowers, many of whom are struggling financially due to the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement follows Underwood's efforts urging the Trump Administration to extend student loan relief provisions included in the CARES Act set to expire December 31, 2020.

On November 20, Underwood led 91 of her House colleagues in writing to President Trump, urging him to use his executive authority to extend federal student loan relief. Additionally, last week, Underwood introduced the Pandemic Accommodation to Support Students (PASS) Act, which would extend this relief through September 31, 2021.

"Millions of student loan borrowers are facing financial hardships impacting their ability to make student loan payments. As the pandemic worsens, we must continue --not cut off--giving federal support to borrowers," said Underwood. "I'm pleased to see the Department of Education finally take action to extend this critical relief; however, a further extension will still be necessary until the economic crisis brought on pandemic has subsided."

In Congress, Underwood serves on the House Committee on Education and Labor.

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