Federal Judge Extends Block on Biden's Student Loan Plan

A federal judge has extended a temporary restraining order against President Biden's student debt forgiveness plan for an additional two weeks, blocking any implementation as the court considers a lawsuit filed by seven GOP-led states. U.S. District Judge Randal Hall's ruling comes in response to claims that the Department of Education's debt cancellation efforts are illegal and that the administration is attempting to bypass regulatory timelines. This legal battle follows Biden's previous attempt at mass debt forgiveness, which was halted by the Supreme Court. The ongoing lawsuit, spearheaded by Missouri and other states, argues against the legality of Biden's new affordable repayment plan and other debt relief measures. The Biden administration's efforts to alleviate student debt have faced repeated setbacks due to these legal challenges, complicating plans to assist approximately 25 million borrowers ahead of the upcoming elections. Hall's order allows for a review of both the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction and the administration's motion to dismiss the case.