Several Democratic Senate candidates suffered meltdowns, rejecting President Biden’s student loan relief plan a few hours after it was released, putting them at risk of losing their midterm elections this November. There doesn’t seem to be an agreement among Democrats at all levels, especially among those who are at risk of losing their seats to Republican opponents in the midterm elections this year. For many, this is a sign of concern that has the potential to alienate swing voters in November.
Among the most vulnerable House and Senate Democrats seeking re-election this fall, a mere six have openly declared their support for Biden’s plans, while seven have come out against the plan. The others remained silent, declining to answer a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Neither they made a statement about their position on the issue.
Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, who is one of the Democratic senators at risk of not being re-elected this year, told Axios, “I don’t agree with today’s executive action because it doesn’t address the root problems that make college unaffordable.” NH Representative Chris Pappas, who campaigns in a swing district that Biden won by 6 points, declared in a recent statement that “this announcement by President Biden is no way to make policy and sidesteps Congress and our oversight and fiscal responsibilities”.
“Any plan to address student debt should go through the legislative process, and it should be more targeted and paid for, so it doesn’t add to the deficit. The president’s plan also doesn’t address the underlying issue of the affordability of higher education, and it is clear that the high cost continues to limit opportunities available to students,” Pappas stated, per reports on Fox News.
“I agree that something needs to be done to make college a more affordable option for students and make sure they aren’t burdened by debt for decades. However, this is not how I would have done it,” Schrier, another Democrat opposing the plan, said. “I would have liked to see a more targeted approach and a way to pay for this plan. We can use debt forgiveness strategically to channel students into careers where we need help desperately, like mental health professionals, educators and nurses,” Schrier continued.
The administration should have explained how it would pay for the relief, said Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, who is running in a close race in a state that Biden carried by 13 points. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a supporter of the handouts, hailed the “relief” that he believes would benefit voters in his district. Yet many Democrats dealing with the most challenging re-election campaigns are lukewarm at best about the looming plan. Biden’s plan is projected to cost taxpayers about $500 billion in the next 10 years, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
Following the passage of a massive social spending and tax bill, the Inflation Reduction Act, Democratic members had praised their unity in advance of Biden’s planned national tour highlighting the legislative victory, but this didn’t last long. When it comes to Republicans, senators from Mitt Romney to Josh Hawley stand together in opposition.