119-HJRES-189 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary

Headline Summary: H.J.Res. 189 would nullify the Education Department’s new “RISE” student‑loan regulations under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). [1]GovInfo (GPO) — Federal Register: Reimagining and Improving Student Education—F…

What It Does: The resolution targets the Department of Education’s final rule published May 1, 2026, which implements Congress’s 2025 law by, among other steps, setting new annual and lifetime borrowing limits (including a $257,500 lifetime cap that counts Grad PLUS toward the total for borrowers), introducing two new repayment options (the income‑based Repayment Assistance Plan and a Tiered Standard plan), clarifying what counts for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and allowing most borrowers a second chance to rehabilitate defaulted loans. If enacted, the CRA would void the rule and bar the Department from issuing a substantially similar rule without new legislation. [1]GovInfo (GPO) — Federal Register: Reimagining and Improving Student Education—F… [1]GovInfo (GPO) — Federal Register: Reimagining and Improving Student Education—F… [1]GovInfo (GPO) — Federal Register: Reimagining and Improving Student Education—F… [1]GovInfo (GPO) — Federal Register: Reimagining and Improving Student Education—F… [2]Congressional Research Service via Congress.gov — The Congressional Review Act…

Why It Matters: These changes touch how much families can borrow (including caps for parent and professional‑degree borrowing), how quickly payments must be made, and which payments count toward loan forgiveness programs—affecting affordability and access to graduate and professional training. The Department says the rule will lower college costs and simplify repayment; critics say the new caps and plan changes could limit access to advanced degrees and essential professions. [1]GovInfo (GPO) — Federal Register: Reimagining and Improving Student Education—F…

• Who’s For It: Rep. Suzanne Bonamici and Democratic allies in the House and Senate announced and introduced the CRA to repeal the rule, arguing it would make it harder for people like teachers, nurses, and first responders to train for their careers. [3]House Education and the Workforce Committee (Democrats) — Bonamici, Merkley, Ma…
• Supporting groups include the National Association of Social Workers (as noted by sponsors) and the American Academy of Audiology, which publicly endorsed the CRA effort. [3]House Education and the Workforce Committee (Democrats) — Bonamici, Merkley, Ma…

• Who’s Against It: The Department of Education and supporters of the RISE rule, who contend the regulation is needed to curb over‑borrowing, set clear limits, and streamline repayment—thereby reducing costs for students and taxpayers. [4]U.S. Department of Education — U.S. Department of Education Finalizes Landmark…

What’s Next: As of May 21, 2026, the resolution has been introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. To take effect, a CRA resolution must pass both chambers and be signed by the President (or a veto overridden). Once enacted, the agency cannot issue a “substantially similar” rule unless Congress later authorizes it. [2]Congressional Research Service via Congress.gov — The Congressional Review Act…