Cortez Masto pushes back against Biden student loan forgiveness as other Dems cheer

As Democrats celebrated President Joe Biden’s announcement Wednesday of wide-reaching student loan forgiveness, Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto broke party rank, criticizing the president’s actions.

Cortez Masto said she disagreed with the White House’s blanket forgiveness of up to $10,000 in federal loans for income earners making less than $125,000 because it does not address underlying issues with college affordability. She instead called for targeting forgiveness to families most in need and expanding federal Pell Grants, which is funding awarded to undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional financial need.