Today, Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Alma Adams (NC-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced a suite of bills: the Clean Slate Through Consolidation Act, Clean Slate Through Repayment Act, and Student Loan Rehabilitation and Credit Score Improvement Act to remove default records from the credit history of federal student loan borrowers who have acted to rectify their defaulted loan.
VIDEO: Click here to download the full video of the press conference announcing the legislation today.
Congresswoman Ross’ Clean Slate Through Repayment Act will remove records of default from student borrowers’ credit histories once they repay their loans. Congresswoman Williams’ Clean Slate Through Repayment Act will ensure that all negative credit reporting related to a previously defaulted student loan is removed from a borrower’s credit history once the borrower has completed student loan rehabilitation. Congresswoman Stevens’ Clean Slate Through Consolidation Act will remove default records from the credit history of federal student loan borrowers who have consolidated their defaulted loan.
“Our nation is facing an unprecedented student debt crisis, and many young Americans are burdened with an adverse credit history as a result,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Students should not be punished for seeking an education, but the high cost of learning has prevented many young people from pursuing their dreams. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing a series of bills that will help borrowers recover from crippling student loan debt and reach their goals – whether it’s buying a home, owning a car, starting a business, or saving for the future.”
“I am proud to be a part of this comprehensive effort to deliver life-changing relief for our federal student loan borrowers,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “Americans who pursue an education and make a good faith effort to pay off their loans deserve a fair chance to reestablish their credit and participate in our economy. This package of legislation empowers borrowers to get back on the right track and escape the lasting shadow of their student loan debt once and for all.”
"As a first-generation college student, I know how hard it is to make ends meet and pay for college," said Congresswoman Adams, founder and co-chair of the HBCU Caucus. "That's why the Clean Slate Series is so necessary. Burdensome student loan debt is dragging down millions of our best and brightest, preventing borrowers across generations from qualifying for the credit they need to buy a house, lease a car, or start a business. These three bills help borrowers hit the reset button and unlock a brighter future for themselves and their families.
“Especially in the wake of the Supreme Court’s denial of debt relief to millions of Americans, student loan debt remains a serious and often unfair burden for our families. I promised action on student loan debt, and with these three bills, Congresswomen Stevens, Ross, Williams, and I intend to deliver."
“Now that the Supreme Court ruled, we will return to the failed status quo on student loan debt, It is more urgent than ever to bring relief to the 44.7 million people struggling to repay student loans,” said Congresswoman Williams. “I know how devastating this ruling is, because I’ve struggled to repay my loans well after graduating. With the Clean Slate Legislative Series, we can give people burdened with student loan debt a true second chance. This will create economic opportunities for people to buy a home, start a business, or lead the lives they want.”
This legislation has been endorsed by The Center for Responsible Lending, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, The Institute for College Access & Success, The National Education Association, and the American Federation of Teachers.