Biden ADministration

Biden Administration Announces $7.4 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness

by
United Auto Workers Endorses Biden-Harris Reelection Bid

In a move aimed at alleviating the burden of student loan debt for millions of Americans, the Biden administration has announced another round of student loan forgiveness, totaling $7.4 billion. This latest announcement comes as part of President Biden’s ongoing efforts to address the issue of student debt in the United States.

The decision follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of President Biden’s initial student loan cancellation plan last June. Despite this setback, the administration has continued to pursue avenues for providing relief to borrowers struggling with student loan debt. Since then, President Biden has announced multiple rounds of student loan cancellations, amounting to a total of $153 billion.

On Friday, the Biden administration revealed that it would forgive student loan debt for an additional 277,000 borrowers. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized the administration’s commitment to easing the financial burden faced by individuals grappling with overwhelming student loan debt.

“As long as there are people with overwhelming student loan debt competing with basic needs such as food and healthcare, we will remain relentless in our pursuit to bring relief to millions across the country,” Secretary Cardona stated in a press release.

Under the latest announcement, more than 206,000 borrowers are set to have $3.6 billion erased from their student loan debt, with each borrower eligible for up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness. Additionally, an additional 65,000 borrowers will benefit from the Department of Education’s repayment plans tailored for low-income borrowers.

Furthermore, 4,600 borrowers will receive loan forgiveness through the government’s program designed for public servants. These measures aim to provide substantial relief to individuals from various backgrounds and income levels, ensuring that they can better manage their financial obligations and pursue their goals without the burden of crippling student loan debt.

As efforts to tackle student loan debt continue, many borrowers are hopeful for further relief in the future.

The post Biden Administration Announces $7.4 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness first appeared on The Source.

The post Biden Administration Announces $7.4 Billion in Student Loan Forgiveness appeared first on The Source.

Joe Biden Administration Denies Laughing At Fentanyl Victims’ Mother, Twitter Reacts

by

As a man who’s spent more time in the White House than most others, Joe Biden is no stranger to the countless feuds that make place in the world of politics. Over two years into his presidency, the Pennsylvania native has been reflecting on what he’s accomplished so far, as well as what he’s got planned for the future (including another potential run). Unfortunately for him, he’s facing some seriously unflattering press at the moment thanks to Marjorie Taylor Greene.

As The Independent reports, Biden was earlier falsely blamed for the opioid overdoses of brothers Kyler and Caleb Kiessling, sons of pro-life activist Rebecca Kiessling. Earlier this week, Greene claimed that the sitting president is responsible for the young men’s passing, though it was actually during the Trump administration when they lost their lives. “I’ve read she was very specific recently saying that a mom, a poor mother who lost two kids to fentanyl, that I killed her sons,” the politician said during an event in Baltimore on Wednesday (March 1).

“[Biden’s] Words are Being Mischaracterized,” White House Says

“Well, the interesting thing: that fentanyl they took came during the last administration,” he also told the crowd, letting out a chuckle. It was the laugh that seems to have upset Kiessling and many others, who feel as though President Biden is making light of the mother’s immense loss. Criticism has obviously been constantly pouring in across social media all week long. In response, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the media, explaining POTUS’ view of the situation.

She began, “When it comes to this president, I believe the American people knows who he is. They have watched him go through grief. He expressed sympathy for her last night. And his heart goes out to any person, any person who has to go through that type of trauma, that type of hurt.” According to Jean-Pierre, Biden’s words are being “mischaracterized by someone who is regularly discredited for things that she says that are really conspiracy theories.”

Twitter Reacts to the Situation

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during the annual House Democrats Issues Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on March 1, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The press secretary didn’t explicitly say that Joe Biden feels any remorse or guilt for laughing, though many on Twitter are vocally demanding that Kiessling receive one from him ASAP. “What’s funny about Americans dying from fentanyl, Joe? The families who have lost loved ones from fentanyl aren’t laughing,” Greene asked him after he corrected her accusations earlier this week. Keep scrolling for more social media reactions, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

[Via]

Biden Administration Denies Aliens Were Behind Multiple UFOs Spotted In North America

by

Many North Americans were tuning into this past weekend’s Super Bowl. Elsewhere, others were feeling rising anxiety over the increasing number of UFOs appearing over the continent this month. It all began with the Chinese spy balloon, which was previously shot down under President Joe Biden’s orders. Since then, three more unidentified aerial items have been shot down across Canada and the U.S.

The most recent was first spotted on Saturday (February 11) over Michigan’s Great Lakes. Authorities were quick to remove it, announcing that airspace in the area was shut down on Sunday. The UFO was apparently a potential risk to human air travel, resulting in its removal.

As the news continues to spread, many have been speculating about the potential of alien involvement. In fact, even NORAD Commander and General, Glen Van Herck, has said that he’s “not ruling out the possibility of extraterrestrial activity.” However, on Monday (February 13), the White House made attempts to shut down this narrative in a press conference.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre made it clear that the Biden Administration does not believe otherworldly creatures are to blame for the sudden UFO surge. “There is no indication of aliens or extra-terrestrial activity with these recent takedowns. Again, there is no indication of aliens or terrestrial activity with these recent takedowns,” she explicitly stated.

The speaker acknowledged that the White House is aware of the circulating theories. Still, they remain sure that this isn’t an E.T.-related incident. However, as TMZ notes, Jean-Pierre – or National Security who spoke after her – were able to provide clear answers regarding the aerial objects.

During his time on the podium, NSK spokesman John Kirby explained that the U.S. still hasn’t been able to properly assess their latest finds. At this time, the process of collecting material from the discovery location and subsequently studying it is still unfolding. The details he could provide reveal that the latest UFOs “had no discernable communication systems, no propulsion systems and no real maneuvering capabilities.”

The mysterious creations also had no passengers when they went down. The government says they’re not balloon-type crafts, like the Chinese balloon was, though they can’t find an accurate way to describe them just yet. As lawmakers continue to demand answers, Biden has authorized an inter-agency team. This brings the State Department, Defense Department, and Office of National Intelligence together for further investigation on the matter.

Do you think the Biden Administration is being honest about the lack of alien involvement in the UFOs? Sound off in the comments, and check back later for any updates.

[Via]

Student Loan Forgiveness Questions Loom in 2023

by
063186e0 903c 11ed 9ff1 47b815938ff8

Student loan borrowers are moving into the new year with uncertainty. President Joe Biden’s game-changing student, loan forgiveness program lies in the hands of the Supreme Court. The pandemic-related pause on student loan payments remains in effect, but a restart date depends on when the Supreme Court rules on the forgiveness program– it could come as late as summer’s end. 

For now, significant changes are coming in July to the existing Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that helps government and nonprofit workers. A new income-driven repayment plan that could lower payments for specific federal student loan borrowers is being drawn up. 

In late February, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases regarding Biden’s student loan forgiveness program, which could deliver up to $20,000 of debt relief for millions of low- and middle-income borrowers. A decision on program adoption is expected to move forward in June, but it is on hold, and no debt will be discharged under the program.

Biden announced his plans for student loan forgiveness in August. The Department of Education received about 26 million applications for debt relief by the time a federal district court judge struck down the program on November 10.

887fad60 9047 11ed bfff a0bdffaf9cb2

Lawyers for the Biden administration say that Congress gave the secretary of education “expansive authority to alleviate the hardship that federal student loan recipients may suffer as a result of national emergencies,” like the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a memo from the Department of Justice. However, litigants argue the Biden administration has exceeded its authority. Recent Supreme Court decisions have ruled against aggressive agency actions.

The pandemic-related pause on loan payments is going strong for the third consecutive year. Though fees were previously set to resume in January, the Biden administration extended the break after federal courts halted its student loan forgiveness program. Officials had told borrowers that debt relief would be granted before payments restarted.

The payment pause will now last until 60 days after litigation over Biden’s student loan forgiveness program is resolved. If the program has not been implemented and the litigation has not been resolved by June 30, payments will resume 60 days after that. Borrower balances have effectively been frozen since March 2020, and since then, interest has stopped adding up, and collections on defaulted debt have also been on hold.

Screen Shot 2023 01 11 at 10.26.09 AM

The benefits come at varying degrees of helpfulness for borrowers. The government has paid $155 billion through the end of 2022 for the yearlong pause. 

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program allows certain government and nonprofit employees to seek federal student loan forgiveness after making 10 years of qualifying payments. Yet, a yearlong waiver that expanded eligibility for the PSLF program expired on October 31. Under the new rules, borrowers can receive credit toward PSLF on late payments, in installments, or a lump sum. Prior authorities only counted a payment as eligible if it was made in full within 15 days of its due date. Specific periods of deferment, such as cancer treatment, military service, economic hardship, and time served in AmeriCorps and the National Guard, will count toward PSLF. Additionally, the new rule will consider the new standard full-time employee work week to be 30 hours. 

Changes to Biden’s plan could impact roughly 8 million people currently enrolled in income-driven repayment plans and open up the programs for more borrowers. This would reduce monthly debt burdens and the total amount borrowers pay over the lifetime of their loans. 

Those with federal student loan debt incurred during undergraduate school can expect the new regulations to cap payments at 5% of a borrower’s discretionary income, down from the 10% offered in most current income-driven plans. Single borrowers making less than $30,600 per year would not need to make any payments under the proposal, up from the current $24,000 threshold. 

The post Student Loan Forgiveness Questions Loom in 2023 appeared first on The Source.

WH Announces President Biden’s Federal Student Loan Debt Relief Plan

by
Joe Biden Signs Proclamation Black History Month 2022

The White House announced President Biden’s cancellation of some federal student loan debt.  Domestic policy adviser Susan Rice said Wednesday the student loan forgiveness will give relief to borrowers while streamlining the business of student loans.  

She also noted that it fulfills a Biden campaign pledge and eases the financial burden on millions of Americans. President Biden is forgiving billions in student loan debt.

READ MORE: “Griner Shouldn’t Be Political Pawn” WNBA Players Exec Director Terri Jackson To Biden Admin

The forgiveness offers $10,000 of debt relief for those earning less than $125,000 per year.  

It’s estimated 42 percent of those who go to college will pay back their loans over five years.  The average American household with student debt owes approximately  $59,000.

Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren is in strong favor of Biden’s decision. While some democrats say it’s not enough, pushing for up to $50,000 in financial relief.  And republicans argue it could be unfair to people who have already paid off their loans and believe the move could fuel inflation. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell called it “student loan socialism.”

Continue the conversation on social media.

The post WH Announces President Biden’s Federal Student Loan Debt Relief Plan appeared first on The Source.

WH Announces President Biden’s Cancellation of Federal Student Loan Debt

by
16402080178177

The White House announced President Biden’s cancellation of some federal student loan debt.  Domestic policy adviser Susan Rice said Wednesday the student loan forgiveness will give relief to borrowers while streamlining the business of student loans.  

She also noted that it fulfills a Biden campaign pledge and eases the financial burden on millions of Americans. President Biden is forgiving billions in student loan debt.

READ MORE: “Griner Shouldn’t Be Political Pawn” WNBA Players Exec Director Terri Jackson To Biden Admin

The forgiveness offers $10,000 of debt relief for those earning less than $125,000 per year.  

It’s estimated 42 percent of those who go to college will pay back their loans over five years.  The average American household with student debt owes approximately  $59,000.

Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren is in strong favor of Biden’s decision. While some democrats say it’s not enough, pushing for up to $50,000 in financial relief.  And republicans argue it could be unfair to people who have already paid off their loans and believe the move could fuel inflation. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell called it “student loan socialism.”

Continue the conversation on social media.

The post WH Announces President Biden’s Cancellation of Federal Student Loan Debt appeared first on The Source.

Biden Administration Offers Deal to Bring Home Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan

by
brittney griner gettyimages 1241752906 AFP 32DY98T

The Biden administration has offered Russia an offer to bring home American citizens Britney Griner and Paul Whelan. According to CNN, the Biden Administration offered convicted Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout in exchange. Bout is currently serving a 25-year US prison sentence.

The proposed deal has been discussed since earlier this year. Biden’s approval overpowers objection from the Department of Justice, which is believed not to have a desire to participate in prisoner trades.

“We communicated a substantial offer that we believe could be successful based on a history of conversations with the Russians,” a senior administration said. “We communicated that a number of weeks ago, in June.”

The ball is reportedly in Russia’s court, but the administration is still communicating with Russian officials.

“It takes two to tango. We start all negotiations to bring home Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained with a bad actor on the other side. We start all of these with somebody who has taken a human being American and treated them as a bargaining chip,” the official said. “So in some ways, it’s not surprising, even if it’s disheartening, when those same actors don’t necessarily respond directly to our offers, don’t engage constructively in negotiations.”

Griner pleaded guilty in early July, revealing she unintentionally brought cannabis into the country. In a Wednesday (July 27) testimony, Griner stated she was never read her rights.

President Biden, who just recovered from COVID-19, is stated to have recently spoke with Griner’s wife, Cherelle, and Whelan’s sister, Elizabeth.

The post Biden Administration Offers Deal to Bring Home Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan appeared first on The Source.

White House Director of Digital Engagement Cameron Trimble Set to Leave

by
image3

There is a shift at the White House. The Director of Digital Engagement in the Office of Digital Strategy, Cameron Trimble, will be moving on.

Trimble led inclusive digital engagement efforts, including notable cultural figures such as DJ D-Nice, Tyra Banks, and Mark Ruffalo. Those digital campaigns helped The White House amplify messages and promoted engagement-focused Covid vaccinations. Trimble’s work also was instrumental in the nomination of Justice Kentaji Brown Jackson and in sourcing virtual channels to reach millions of people.

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress


image2 1 1


image0 12

Trimble was the Deputy Digital Director for the first-ever virtual presidential inauguration before joining the Biden administration. In his administration role, Trimble and other team members were in charge of bringing together the first-ever digital partnerships to stream the inauguration ceremonies across more than 50 different digital outlets. The result was the largest virtual audience ever for a presidential inauguration.

Trimble joined the Biden-Harris campaign in the summer of 2020, during the general election, before working on the presidential inauguration. He oversaw one of the largest voter registration drives in political history. Trimble also supervised the African American paid media operation, which spent almost $60 million to reach Black voters.

Trimble has also worked as a senior adviser to Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), the House Science and Technology Committee chairwoman on Capitol Hill.

The post White House Director of Digital Engagement Cameron Trimble Set to Leave appeared first on The Source.