- Skip to main content
- About Us
- Contact Us
- FAQs
-  Language Assistance ****    - English
  - español
  - 中文: 繁體版
  - Việt-ngữ
  - 한국어
  - Tagalog
  - Русский 

U.S. Department of Education

U.S. Department of Education

        - Student Loans
        - Grants
        - Laws
        - Data

# Biden-Harris Administration Seeks Nominations for Non-Federal Negotiators to Continue Rulemaking Process on Student Debt Relief   

# Biden-Harris Administration Seeks Nominations for Non-Federal Negotiators to Continue Rulemaking Process on Student Debt Relief   

August 29, 2023

**Contact:  **press@ed.gov

                                    -        
The Biden-Harris Administration today announced the next step in its work to open a new pathway to student debt relief by soliciting nominations for negotiators who will participate in public rulemaking negotiation sessions this Fall. The Department is seeking  nominations from 14 different constituency groups for the Student Loan Relief committee, which will meet for three virtual sessions beginning October 10.

"When the Supreme Court ruled against  the Biden-Harris Administration’s student debt relief plan, we did not waste a  moment opening up a new pathway to debt relief," said U.S. Secretary of  Education Miguel Cardona. "As we pursue debt relief through this process,  one of the most important steps is bringing together diverse perspectives to  help us craft the strongest possible regulations for borrowers. The Student  Loan Relief committee will include students, borrowers, state officials, civil  rights advocates, representatives from colleges and universities, and other  stakeholders so we can make sure all voices are heard and the needs of  borrowers are fully considered.”

These nominations are the second step in a  process known as “negotiated rulemaking,” which is required under the Higher Education Act for any regulations related to the Federal student financial aid  programs. This process started with a public hearing held by the Department on  July 18 and a request for public comments, which solicited more than 24,000  responses. Next, negotiators selected by the Department will meet virtually on  October 10-11, November 6-7, and December 11-12 to discuss ideas for regulatory  reform. Sessions will be open to the public and include opportunities for  public comment.

The Department is seeking negotiators  representing the following categories, each of which will include a primary and alternate representative:
- Four spots for current students and student loan borrowers based upon the level of program attended. The Department is particularly interested in a variety of experiences with student loans and postsecondary education, including attending different types of institutions, receiving a Pell Grant, and borrowing a Parent PLUS loan.
- Four spots for different types of institutions of higher education, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and minority serving institutions.
- Two spots for State officials and Attorneys General.
- Two spots for civil rights organizations and legal assistance organizations.
- One spot for a U.S. military service member or veteran.
- One spot for a representative from the Federal Family Education Loan program.

The Department will publish proposed rules for the public to comment on in the months following the conclusion of  negotiations. We will then consider public comment and produce final regulations next year.

Nominations can be sent to negregnominations@ed.gov and must include clear information about the nominee, their constituency group, resume and experience, and contact information. Any nomination must be received  by September 14, 2023. Please see an official copy of the Federal Register Notice here for additional details on requirements for nominees.

The Department will provide updated  information on this negotiated rulemaking committee on an ongoing basis here.  

The Biden-Harris Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to use all available tools to deliver students,  borrowers, and their families the relief they are entitled to under applicable  law. Overall, the Administration has approved debt relief for more than 3.4  million people and over $116 billion in loan discharges. This includes fixes to  ensure that borrowers get relief promised by Congress through income-driven  repayment programs, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and discharges for  borrowers with a total and permanent disability.
   -  Tags: Press Releases
          How Do I Find...?    - Student loans, forgiveness
- Higher Education Rulemaking
- College accreditation
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
- FERPA
- FAFSA
- 1098, tax forms
- More...
      Information About...    - Elevating Teaching
- Early Learning
- Engage Every Student
- Unlocking Career Success
- Cybersecurity
Search press releasesSearch for:      Find By Month    - February 2024 
- January 2024 
- December 2023 
- November 2023 
- October 2023 
- September 2023 
- August 2023 
- July 2023 
- June 2023 
- May 2023 
- April 2023 
- March 2023 
- All Press Releases
             
*Our mission* is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
- Student Loans
- Repaying Loans
- Defaulted Loans
- Loan Forgiveness
- Loan Servicers
- Grants & Programs
- Apply for Pell Grants
- Grants Forecast
- Apply for a Grant
- Laws & Guidance
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
- FERPA
- Civil Rights
- IDEA Website
- Data & Research
- Education Statistics
- Postsecondary Education Data
- ED Data Express
- Nation's Report Card
- What Works Clearinghouse
- Open Data Platform
- COVID Relief Data
- About Us
- Contact Us
- ED Offices
- Jobs
- Press Releases
- FAQs
- Recursos en español
- Budget, Performance
- Privacy Program
- Homeroom Blog
- Notices
- FOIA
- Privacy Policy
- Accessibility
- Security
- Information Quality
- Inspector General
- Whitehouse.gov
- USA.gov
- Benefits.gov
- Regulations.gov