to request information on their plans to support borrowers during the return to repayment in October.
"Our previous correspondence with student loan servicers indicated that they had had little engagement with borrowers throughout the pandemic and were not prepared to support borrowers once payments resumed," they wrote. And last week, Rep. Virginia Foxx and Sen. Bill Cassidy — top Republicans on House and Senate education committees, respectively —"The Department doesn't get to ignore their job and then escape accountability," Cassidy said in a statement.Still, the department has expressed confidence in its ability to effectively resume payments for millions of borrowers — and it recommends that borrowers who can afford to foot the extra monthly bill should make the payment.
"Although interest will accrue starting September 1st and payments are due starting in October, we'll help borrowers who are struggling to make payments avoid harsh financial consequences, such as delinquencies and wage garnishments," Education Secretary Miguel CardonaSign up for notifications from Insider! Stay up to date with what you want to know.