Eleven Republican-led states have initiated a legal challenge against President Biden’s new student loan repayment program, alleging similarities to a previously invalidated debt relief initiative. Led by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, the lawsuit contends that Biden’s Saving on a Valuable Education (Save) program exceeds his constitutional authority and mirrors a past forgiveness plan that the Supreme Court struck down last year.

Allegations and Legal Basis

The lawsuit, spearheaded by Kansas AG Kris Kobach, asserts that President Biden’s Save program constitutes executive overreach and draws parallels to a previously rejected debt relief initiative.

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Description of the Save Program

President Biden’s Save program, launched in October, aims to provide reduced monthly payments and an accelerated path to loan cancellation for millions of borrowers. While it has already relieved the debts of over 150,000 participants who borrowed under $12,000 and made payments for a decade, its projected cost varies significantly. The Biden administration estimates the program to cost $156 billion over a decade, whereas the Congressional Budget Office predicts a higher figure at $230 billion.

Legal and Administrative Responses

Kansas AG Kobach criticized the Save program, accusing the president of pushing forward despite past legal setbacks. The Education Department refrained from commenting on the lawsuit but reiterated its commitment to enhancing the student loan system and offering relief to borrowers.

Legal Grounds and Previous Challenges

The lawsuit draws upon arguments from previous legal battles against broad-based debt relief. Unlike the failed plan that relied on a 9/11-era law, the Save program derives its authority from the Higher Education Act, presenting a different legal foundation.

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Program Mechanics and Conservative Criticism

The Save program, an adaptation of the existing Revised Pay as You Earn (Repaye) plan, ties monthly payments to income and family size. However, conservatives like Kobach argue that widespread debt relief unfairly burdens taxpayers who did not attend college or save for their education.

Legal Landscape and Political Response

The lawsuit follows the Supreme Court’s rejection of a similar debt cancellation program last year, highlighting the ongoing legal and political battles surrounding student loan relief initiatives. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey expressed support for Kobach’s lawsuit and hinted at filing a related one.

Administration’s Perspective

Despite facing legal challenges, the Biden administration continues to advocate for the Save program, emphasizing its potential to alleviate the financial burden for millions of borrowers by reducing their annual payments.

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President Joe Biden’s recent nominations for district court judges signal a strategic effort to fill vacancies in Republican-led states and enhance diversity within the federal bench. The nominations span California, New York, and South Dakota, showcasing the administration’s commitment to judicial appointments.

Nominations in Republican-led States

In South Dakota, the nominations of Eric Schulte and Camela Theeler mark significant progress in filling vacancies. Negotiations preceding these nominations underscore the importance of garnering support from Republican Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, given the customary requirement for senators’ approval through “blue slips.” This process reflects a delicate balance of power, compelling the White House to dialogue with Republican senators to secure consensus on nominees.

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The nomination of Camela Theeler holds particular significance as she is poised to become the first Republican to serve on the court since the Reagan era. With a former federal prosecutor background and extensive experience as a state court judge, Theeler brings a wealth of legal expertise to the position. Similarly, Eric Schulte’s nomination and his tenure as the past president of the State Bar of South Dakota reinforces the administration’s commitment to appointing qualified and seasoned legal professionals.

Judicial Appointments in Democratic-led States

President Biden’s nominations extend beyond Republican-led states, reflecting a broader strategy to diversify the federal bench. In New York’s Eastern District, Biden seeks to elevate U.S. Magistrate Judge Sanket Bulsara as the first Asian American man to serve as a life-tenured district court judge. This nomination underscores the administration’s emphasis on inclusivity and representation within the judiciary.

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Similarly, in California’s Eastern District, Judge Dena Michaela Coggins’ nomination holds historical significance as she is poised to become the region’s first Black woman district court judge. With her extensive experience as the Sacramento Superior Court presiding judge, Coggins brings a unique perspective and a wealth of legal insight to the position.

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To curtail the influx of migrants, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has implemented a river barrier along the border, complemented by razor wire along the riverbank. This strategy aims to prevent migrants from crossing the river, adding another layer to the state’s border control measures.

Legal Setback: Federal Judge Rejects Texas Bid to Protect Razor Wire Fencing

A federal judge has dismissed Texas’s attempt to prevent federal immigration authorities from dismantling the razor wire fencing placed along the riverbank. This decision highlights the ongoing legal battles between state and federal authorities over border control measures.

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Biden Administration Faces Criticism from Republican-Led States

Texas, along with other Republican-led states, has been vocal in its criticism of the Biden administration’s immigration and border policies. The contentious relationship between the state and the federal government has intensified recently, with disputes over the approach to handling the migration crisis.

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Policy Reversal: Biden Administration to Expand Border Wall

In a surprising move, the Biden administration announced on October 6th that it would augment sections of the border wall to deter migrant crossings from Mexico. This decision represents a reversal of the administration’s earlier stance and aligns with a signature policy of the Republican former President, Donald Trump.

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