Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Fight Looms Over Plan to Give Loan Funds to Students

The administration wants to cut out private lenders, setting up a showdown

By Clay Dillow,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 13, 2009 8:49 AM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama's plans to end a subsidized student-loan program—diverting billions of dollars in profits for private lenders like Sallie Mae to scholarships for needy students—is prompting howls of protest from lenders and setting up a Congressional showdown, the New York Times reports. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that replacing subsidized loans with direct government lending would save $94 billion over the next decade that would be used to expand Pell grants.

Critics of the subsidized system claim private lenders have collected hefty fees for years on risk-free loans that are 97% backed by the government. With the government now underwriting most education loans made by private lenders, many argue that the private lenders are merely expensive middlemen. Republicans argue that the plan is another instance of Obama expanding government, and Dems in districts where student-lenders are based are prepping for a fight.

President Barack Obama, accompanied by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, makes remarks on the economy, Friday, April 10, 2009. Obama wants education loans to come direct from the government.
President Barack Obama, accompanied by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, makes remarks on the economy, Friday, April 10, 2009. Obama wants education loans to come direct from the government.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Barack Obama makes remarks on housing refinancing, Thursday, April 9, 2009. His restructuring of education loans could save $94 billion over ten years.
President Barack Obama makes remarks on housing refinancing, Thursday, April 9, 2009. His restructuring of education loans could save $94 billion over ten years.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Sallie Mae Fund Paying For College Bus Tour Will Visit 65 Cities Across The Country.
Sallie Mae Fund Paying For College Bus Tour Will Visit 65 Cities Across The Country.   (PRNewsFoto/The Sallie Mae Fund)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Despite losing $213 million in 2008, Sallie Mae paid its chief executive more than $4.6 million in cash and stock and its vice chairman more than $13.2 million in cash and stock, including the use of a company plane. - David M. Herszenhorn

If the banks complain that they are getting cut out, too bad.
- Barney Frank, Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
kokuaguy
Apr 14, 2009 5:29 AM CDT
This is a great test for the Obama administration If it backs down on this one, my belief in Obama will be seriously eroded.
northeast
Apr 13, 2009 2:37 AM CDT
Good call. I'll just rob banks and sell drugs until I can come up with that yearly $40,000.
Fondue
Apr 13, 2009 2:34 AM CDT
It worked for the president - it can work for you.

More Newser Stories

$150B Stimulus to Double Education Budget

House Passes Huge Student Loan Overhaul

White House Slams Student Loan Lobby

$25B Sallie Mae Buyout on the Rocks

Ron Paul: Let's Kill Federal Student Loans


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne