September 22, 2026
Mr. Sanders (for himself, Ms. Warren, Mr. Markey, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Reed, Ms. Hirono, and Mrs. Gillibrand) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance
To prohibit the Secretary of Education from garnishing social security payments from individuals in default on their Federal student loans.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Stop Social Security Garnishment Act of 2026
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Sec. 2. Prohibition on Social Security Offset
Part G of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1088 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 493D the following:
493E. Prohibition on Social Security Offset
Notwithstanding section 3716(a) of title 31, United States Code, beginning on the date of enactment of the Stop Social Security Garnishment Act of 2026, any payments due to an individual under the Social Security Act shall not be subject to offset under section 3716(c)(3)(A)(i) of such title in the event of a default on a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this title.