House Republicans set aside divisions within their party over the appropriateness of the government’s role providing college loans to pass legislation to prevent interest rates from doubling as scheduled in several weeks.
The final vote was 215-195.
Democrats broadly opposed the measure because it’s paid for by eliminating a public health fund created by the Affordable Care Act — one which they note disproportionately benefits women. The White House has threatened to veto the bill based on this pay for.
Senate Democrats will soon vote on similar legislation paid for by closing a loophole that allows wealthy professionals to avoid paying Medicare payroll taxes. Republicans are expected to block the measure — a move that could anger young voters who tend to vote Democratic — setting up a public confrontation between the parties over student loans ahead of the rate spike.
