Biden just forgave $10,000 in student loan debt. Elizabeth Warren calls it ‘one...

For much of this year, millions of people across the country have held their breath, hoping President Joe Biden would keep his campaign promise and waive some, or even all, of their student debt.

On Wednesday, Biden finally announced his plan. His administration will forgive $10,000 in federal loans for every borrower making under $125,000. For borrowers who took out Pell Grants, that number rises to $20,000 in forgiveness. And the administration will extend the student loan repayment pause one last time, through the end of this year.

Student loan forgiveness is an issue that Democrats have advocated for long before Biden took office, arguing that waiving student debt is a step toward addressing racial inequities that will ultimately give the entire economy a major boost. At the same time, Republicans have said that forgiveness benefits wealthier individuals the most, while other critics have voiced concerns that it could worsen inflation.

Here’s what the most prominent voices in politics, economics, and more are saying about today’s historic announcement.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren

The Massachusetts senator is a longtime supporter of widespread student debt relief.

“Make no mistake,” she tweeted shortly after Biden made his plan public. “This is one of the biggest acts of consumer debt relief in American history, and it will directly help hardworking people who borrowed money to go to school because they didn’t come from a family that could write a big check.”

Congresswoman Cori Bush

The Missouri representative is a vocal supporter of student loan forgiveness.

“This will undoubtedly transform lives,” Bush tweeted in response to Biden’s announcement. “Grateful for the organizers, activists, and advocates who never let up in the push for student debt cancellation. This victory is because of you.”

Sen. Ted Cruz

The Texas senator has been a longtime opponent of student loan forgiveness.

“Insane—and illegal!” he tweeted on Wednesday after Biden’s announcement. “We have the highest inflation in 40 years/highest gas prices ever, but Biden wants to spend even more at the expense of hardworking Americans.”