WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - Could the government be moving to cancel college student loan debt? It's an issue that's gaining more attention as the Biden administration moves closer to a possible decision.Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherThe topic sparked political divisions on Capitol Hill on Thursday during a hearing.It's estimated about 43 million Americans owe $1.6 trillion on their student loans.
This is more than both credit card or car payments.The political battle lines are sharp. Democrats argue canceling student debt would allow college-educated students to start their careers out from under the weight of loan payments many are struggling to make.READ MORE: Biden to take 'hard look' at student loan forgiveness"The overwhelming number of borrowers do work hard," says Sen.
Sherrod Brown of Ohio. "They do play by the rules. Go to college? Check. Get a job? Check. Work hard every day? But instead of achieving the American dream, borrowers are trapped in debt and economic instability." Progressives have been clamoring for President Biden to sign an executive order wiping out billions in student loan debt, but the commander-in-chief had been hesitant to take a step some doubt is even legal.
That changed this week when he acknowledged it’s under consideration. Young Voices contributor Albert Eisenberg, who wrote an op-ed on the topic for FoxNews.com, tells Jim on "The Final 5" why he believes it would be a bad move.Republicans say a loan is not a gift and if students can't pay back their loans, they shouldn't have taken out the loans in the first place, leaving the bill to taxpayers."It’s almost never acceptable for the taxpayers to be forced to be responsible for someone else’s voluntarily.