WASHINGTON D.C. -- Congress only has 10 days to keep interest rates on student loans from doubling.
Today, our local Speaker of the House is blaming Democrats for the hold up. John Boehner says Democrats who control the Senate are blocking a plan that President Obama endorsed.
The Butler County Republican is asking the president to compel a vote by his own party.
"This morning, I sent a letter to President Obama and asked him for something I thought pretty simple, some leadership."
The White House says the GOP proposal would not guarantee low student loan rates, and it also opposes tying the issue to further spending cuts.
Earlier coverage:
UPDATE: Congress Can't Reach Agreement On Student Loan Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congress has failed to come to an agreement on a student loan bill.
The Senate knocked down 2 bills that would have prevented interest rates on student loans from doubling on July 1st.
Proposals came from both Republicans and Democrats, but neither side could agree on a deal.
If the trend continues, interest rates for undergrounds will double to 6.8% next month, affecting about 7 millions college students taking out new loans.
Two-thirds of recent graduates have an average debt of more than $25,000.
Earlier coverage:
UNDATED -- Student loan rates could double in July if Congress doesn't act fast.
President Obama stood with college students in the Rose Garden today to deliver that stern message. He says student loan debt is higher than the nation's credit card debt.
Come July 1st, increased interest rates will make it harden for those trying to get an education.
"Higher education can not be a luxury for a privileged few. It is an economic necessity that every family should be able to afford, every young person with dreams and ambition should be able to access and now is not the time to turn back on young people."
President Obama is hoping Congress adopts his plan to lock in interest rates and cap payments for all students, past, present and future, at 10% of their monthly income.
The Senate will vote on the student loan bill next week.
Today, our local Speaker of the House is blaming Democrats for the hold up. John Boehner says Democrats who control the Senate are blocking a plan that President Obama endorsed.
The Butler County Republican is asking the president to compel a vote by his own party.
"This morning, I sent a letter to President Obama and asked him for something I thought pretty simple, some leadership."
The White House says the GOP proposal would not guarantee low student loan rates, and it also opposes tying the issue to further spending cuts.
Earlier coverage:
UPDATE: Congress Can't Reach Agreement On Student Loan Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congress has failed to come to an agreement on a student loan bill.
The Senate knocked down 2 bills that would have prevented interest rates on student loans from doubling on July 1st.
Proposals came from both Republicans and Democrats, but neither side could agree on a deal.
If the trend continues, interest rates for undergrounds will double to 6.8% next month, affecting about 7 millions college students taking out new loans.
Two-thirds of recent graduates have an average debt of more than $25,000.
Earlier coverage:
UNDATED -- Student loan rates could double in July if Congress doesn't act fast.
President Obama stood with college students in the Rose Garden today to deliver that stern message. He says student loan debt is higher than the nation's credit card debt.
Come July 1st, increased interest rates will make it harden for those trying to get an education.
"Higher education can not be a luxury for a privileged few. It is an economic necessity that every family should be able to afford, every young person with dreams and ambition should be able to access and now is not the time to turn back on young people."
President Obama is hoping Congress adopts his plan to lock in interest rates and cap payments for all students, past, present and future, at 10% of their monthly income.
The Senate will vote on the student loan bill next week.
