Courtney statement on Senate Republican filibuster of legislation to prevent student loan interest rates from doubling

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today released the following statement after Senate Republicans filibustered legislation that would prevent interest rates on subsidized Stafford student loans from doubling on July 1:

"Senate Republicans voted today to prevent even debate on an issue that will affect more than 7 million Americans on July 1. With just 53 days remaining to prevent a catastrophe for middle-class families, the total lack of engagement by House Republican leaders and the abuse of the filibuster by their Senate counterparts show that Congressional Republicans are not serious about finding a bipartisan solution to defuse this time bomb.

"The American people are looking for swift, long-term relief on student loan debt. Congressional Republicans owe them better than another filibuster."

Congressman Courtney introduced the Student Loan Affordability Act on January 25, immediately after the President called for Congress to act to prevent student loan interest rates from doubling. With more than 150 cosponsors, his legislation is the only bipartisan bill to lock in low rates.