“The Takeout” with Rep. Ayanna Pressley: A Conversation on Student Loans, the Supreme Court, and Biden’s Reelection

President Biden is facing pressure from Democratic coalitions to deliver on student loan debt forgiveness or face political consequences, warns Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley. Pressley, a prominent member of the progressive “Squad,” called on Biden to provide relief to the coalition that helped him win the White House. She criticized the Supreme Court’s nullification of Biden’s executive action on loan forgiveness, calling it “tone deaf” and accusing the court of legislating from the bench.

The blocked loan forgiveness program could have benefited upwards of 43 million Americans. The Supreme Court ruled that Biden’s executive action exceeded his legal authority and would have cost $400 billion, making it the most expensive executive action in history. Pressley emphasized the racial justice aspect of the issue, pointing out that Black and Brown students borrow and default at higher rates. She argued that the White House must find alternative ways to use executive power to provide debt relief.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Biden announced a new income-based repayment plan for federal loans, which would cut monthly loan payments in half for loans under $12,000 and eliminate interest charges for borrowers making their monthly payments. However, Pressley believes more needs to be done, including paid leave, permanent child tax credits, and universal childcare.

In addition to student loan debt forgiveness, Pressley called for ethics reforms in the Supreme Court, including adding justices and eliminating lifetime appointments. She described the current Supreme Court as far-right, extreme, and imbalanced, and called for a binding code of ethics to restore the court’s integrity.

When asked about potential challenges to Biden’s reelection, Pressley expressed confidence in the Biden-Harris administration and criticized Republican governance as anti-woman, anti-worker, and anti-immigrant. She did not offer a direct response regarding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s primary challenge against Biden, but emphasized that every candidate has the right to put forward their vision.

Pressley also addressed academic Cornell West’s third-party run and the No Labels effort to draft a candidate to challenge Biden and former President Trump. She stressed the importance of making people feel seen and engaged, not just during election cycles, but consistently.

In summary, Rep. Ayanna Pressley is urging President Biden to prioritize student loan debt forgiveness to avoid political consequences from Democratic coalitions. She criticized the Supreme Court’s decision to nullify Biden’s executive action and called for other ways to provide debt relief. Pressley also advocated for ethics reforms in the Supreme Court and highlighted the Biden-Harris administration’s legislative case. She expressed confidence in Biden’s nomination and remained focused on making the affirmative case for Democrats.

Original Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-07-14 10:00:20