Bill · S.J.Res. 196· Senate(119-SJRES-196)
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations".
- Introduced
- 6/4/2026
- Last activity
- 6/24/2026 — Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 45 - 52. Record Vote Number: 190. (CR S3193)
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 0
- Introduced
What this bill would do
S. J. Res. 196 is a joint resolution introduced in the Senate on June 4, 2026. Senators Merkley, Alsobrooks, Sanders, and Schumer introduced the measure. The legislation provides for congressional disapproval of a specific rule. The targeted rule was submitted by the Department of Education. It relates to the Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations. If the resolution passes, the rule will have no force or effect.
Yes
No question was scored yes.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this make college cost less?-5
The resolution disapproves of Department of Education regulations related to the Federal Student Loan Program, potentially impacting student loan policies and borrower relief.
Does this reduce what student borrowers owe or repay?-5
By nullifying the Department of Education's federal student loan program final regulations, the measure could reduce potential relief or restructuring options for borrowers.
Would students be better off under this?-5
Students holding federal student loans could face alterations or rollbacks in loan program regulations due to the disapproval resolution.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
None of them settled the bill — every vote so far has been about whether to keep going.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Joint Resolution Text: The provided text does not contain specific sections or provisions that identify potential positive outcomes or benefits for individuals or groups of people. Therefore, no positive impacts can be cited based strictly on the text.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Joint Resolution Text: The provided text does not contain specific sections or provisions that identify potential negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people. Therefore, no negative impacts can be cited based strictly on the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability-5Improves Student Loan Relief-5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students-5Good For Young Adults-3
- 6/24/2026
- Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 45 - 52. Record Vote Number: 190. (CR S3193)
- 6/22/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/11/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/10/2026
- Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 432.
- 6/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Maria CantwellDemocrat · Washington
Kirsten GillibrandDemocrat · New York
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Patty MurrayDemocrat · Washington
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Charles SchumerDemocrat · New York