Millions of student loan borrowers in the United States are eagerly awaiting the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on President Joe Biden's federal student loan forgiveness program.
Oral arguments were heard on February 28, and the court's conservative majority seemed skeptical of the Biden administration's arguments supporting the program, as reported by BestColleges. The program has the potential to eliminate up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt for numerous borrowers across the nation.
Following the hearing, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) stated that Biden's plan to eradicate federal student debt must be presented to Congress.
Despite nearly three months passing since the oral arguments, both borrowers and opponents of debt forgiveness remain uncertain about when and how the court will render its decision on Biden's plan.
Typically, the Supreme Court delivers opinions before recessing for the summer, which usually occurs in late June or early July and lasts until the first Monday in October, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Although there are no specific rules regarding the timing of court decisions, apart from the end-of-term deadline, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts notes that more "controversial" opinions tend to be issued towards the end of the term. To publicly deliver an opinion, a majority of justices must agree by signing onto it.
"Typically, decisions that are unanimous are released sooner than those that have concurring and dissenting opinions," according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
"While some unanimous decisions are handed down as early as December, some controversial opinions, even if heard in October, may not be handed down until the last day of the term."
"On days when the Court is hearing oral arguments, decisions may be handed down before the arguments are heard.
"During the months of May and June, the Court meets at 10 a.m. every Monday to release opinions. During the last week of the term, additional days may be designated as 'opinion days.'"
Opinions are typically released on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, as well as on the third Monday of each session when the Court takes the Bench but does not hear arguments. This schedule continues until all cases ready for submission have been heard and decided by the Court.