Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced that the federal government is renewing its commitment to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and has forgiven over $9.5 BILLION in student debt. The PSLF program reduces the financial burden for students 

In October 2021, the Department of Education announced significant reforms to expand borrowers’ access to the program and finally provide them with the forgiveness to which they are entitled. The reforms:

• Simplified what it means to qualify for PSLF
• Eliminated barriers for military service members to receive PSLF
• Automatically helped service members and other federal employees access PSLF
• Reviewed denied PSLF applications and identify and correct errors in PSLF processing
• Improved outreach and communication with PSLF-eligible borrowers
• Simplified the PSLF application process
• Made long-term improvements to PSLF through rule-making

As a result, nearly 9,000 Texans have received over $550 million in debt relief from the PSLF program.

“Higher education is one of the best investments that you can make in your future and your country’s future. However, higher education has never been more expensive” said Congressman Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “For this reason, I have continuously fought for spending bill provisions that help make the loan forgiveness program a more fair and reliable process for the millions of Americans who have chosen careers in public service—such as our teachers, nurses, firefighters and other public servants. These programs are critical for low-income and disadvantaged students, and those students looking to serve their communities. I will continue to support initiatives that give students the resources to pay for college and help them land a good-paying job.”

The program, entering its 5th year, has provided relief to hundreds of thousands of students and workers since its inception. 

Congressman Cuellar encourages more students to apply for student loan forgiveness through the Office of Federal Student Aid and the Student Borrower Protection Center.

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