In a recent revelation, it has come to light that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a staunch advocate for student loan debt cancellation, herself carries a student loan debt ranging from $15,001 to $50,000, as per her latest financial disclosure. This information, sourced from her 2022 financial records, raises eyebrows, given her $174,000 annual salary as a member of the United States House of Representatives.
It’s worth noting that while advocating for policies that would alleviate student debt, she would also personally stand to gain.
In the midst of 2022, when a Marist poll highlighted President Biden’s dwindling approval ratings among the youth, Ocasio-Cortez took to the platform formerly known as Twitter. She suggested it was an opportune moment for the Biden administration to rescind student loan debt, intensify climate change actions, and bolster voting rights.
Following President Biden’s announcement of a student loan forgiveness initiative aimed at over 800,000 borrowers, the prominent Squad Member commended the move but quickly asserted the need for more comprehensive measures.
Sharing her sentiments on Instagram, Ocasio-Cortez expressed gratitude for this pivotal initiative, acknowledging its transformative impact on many lives. However, she also voiced concerns for those grappling with excessive debt, emphasizing the need for more robust solutions.
The Biden administration’s student loan relief proposal hit a roadblock when the Supreme Court intervened, asserting that such a program would require explicit Congressional approval. In response, President Biden expressed his disagreement with the Court’s interpretation of the Constitution and proposed an alternative 12-month transition plan to support borrowers in resuming their repayments.
Yet, Ocasio-Cortez found the proposed terms needed improvement. In a conversation with CNN’s Dana Bash in July of this year, she advocated for a suspension of interest on debt payments for the duration of the 12-month transition. Highlighting the plight of millions burdened with student loans below $20,000, she emphasized the unfairness of accruing interest during this period. Ocasio-Cortez fervently appealed to the Biden Administration to reconsider the interest imposition and reiterated her commitment to expedite the cancellation of student loans.
Interestingly, Ocasio-Cortez’s disclosed student debt in her recent financial statement mirrors the figures from the previous year.
Attempts to reach her office for a statement remained unanswered.