Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce, introduced the Student Loan Borrowers' Bill of Rights Act and released the following statement:

"Today, President Obama announced the Student Aid Bill of Rights Presidential Memorandum, which will create a state-of-the-art complaint system, take steps to help students responsibly repay their loans, and analyze student debt trends to recommend legislative and regulatory changes. I applaud President Obama's actions to help student loan borrowers.

"Congress must also do its part to ensure students have access to affordable, quality education. That is why I introduced the Student Loan Borrowers' Bill of Rights. This bill brings fairness to our system of financing higher education at a time when Americans owe approximately $1.2 trillion in student loans. It restores bankruptcy protections for federal and private student loans, establishes a statute of limitations on student loan debt collection, creates new protections against discrimination in professional licensing, and prohibits the garnishment of wages, tax refunds, and Social Security benefits.

"With less debt, student loan borrowers will be happier and healthier, and will have additional purchasing power that will help improve the economy, create jobs, and increase the tax base. I look forward to continuing to work with President Obama and my colleagues in Congress to promote college affordability and access," said Congresswoman Wilson.