Supreme Court hears arguments about Biden student debt relief program

The Supreme Court heard arguments today about the Biden student debt relief program. But after three and a half hours, it appeared a majority of the justices have serious doubts about the plan. CBS News Dick Brannon here in studio with more on that. Christina Marise, 43 million students are affected. Critics say the plan involves so much money, more than $400 million, that it needs congressional approval and that states will also lose money. But students we spoke to say their debt is out of control. We hope really is great, especially for like middle class.

Fordham College student, Nea Cruz says she may wind up $100,000 in debt. It's a price of tuition, the price of even living here and dorming, it's outrageous. Debt is something that's consistently talked about among students. Sonage Allen of Harlem works during the day and attends Fordham Law at night. There are people who might drop out of school because they are facing too much debt by the time they finish. So it's a very unfortunate situation. Some students tell us the stress of school is nothing compared to the stress of debt.

The Biden debt relief plan was supposed to be a solution. Those making less than $125,000 a year could get $10,000 in debt forgiven. Those with Pell grants could get $20,000 erased. But two different challenges were brought by six Republican-led states. And as someone who paid for my school and blood, sweat and tears and service to my nation, that's an issue that's near and dear to my heart. I'm confident the court will reach the right decision. Conservative members of the high court seem skeptical of the president's sidestepping Congress in forgiving the loans.

We take very seriously the idea of separation of powers and that power should be divided. But liberal justice has said the law gave the administration power to act during national emergencies like COVID. There's 50 million students who will benefit from this, who today will struggle. Some legal experts believe based on today's arguments, the court could scrap the Biden plan. Is the Biden policy in jeopardy? Very much so. The Chief Justice signaled that by asking and stating three times that it cost a half a trillion dollars for this program. And that's indicating that this is a question for Congress, not the executive branch.

Now, if the administration could win, it might be based on the grounds that the people who sued had no standing to do so. A decision is expected from the high court in June. Christina Morris. Dick, thank you.

CBS2 News At 11, Supreme Court, Student debt relief