Focus on sustainable student loan solutions, not harsh collection

The Education Department's decision to restart collection efforts, including wage garnishment, against over 5 million federal student loan borrowers in default raises significant concerns. With around 4 million more borrowers at risk of default within the next several months, prioritizing punitive debt collection over sustainable repayment solutions could push many struggling Americans into further financial distress. While the department cites fiscal responsibility, aggressive tactics may ultimately undermine repayment by imposing additional hardship. A balanced approach expanding affordable income-driven repayment plans, permitting reasonable loan rehabilitation without excessive penalties, and preserving targeted debt relief for defrauded or disabled borrowers would better serve borrowers' prospects for recovering from default over the long term. Sustainable solutions giving distressed borrowers a reasonable path forward deserve greater emphasis than harsh collection measures that risk perpetuating the default crisis.