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Senate Advances Sweeping Student Loan Overhaul for Floor Debate

Senators agreed to delay key plan repeals under extended transition windows to satisfy budget reconciliation rules.

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Overview

  • Senate Republicans cleared a 51-49 procedural vote to move the One Big Beautiful Bill onto the floor for extended debate under budget reconciliation.
  • The current text postpones the repeal of ICR, PAYE and SAVE plans until July 2026–June 2028, during which existing borrowers must shift into a modified Income-Based Repayment plan.
  • Parent PLUS borrowers now have until July 2026 to consolidate loans and until June 2028 to enroll in ICR before new borrowing caps and loss of income-driven options take effect.
  • Senators removed language that would have stripped residency credit for medical and dental professionals, preserving their eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
  • Key relief and deferment changes include a 10-year delay on Borrower Defense and Closed School Discharge rules, elimination of hardship and unemployment deferments, and a nine-month cap on discretionary forbearance per 24-month period.