Students and their families have until July 1, 2006 to contact their senators to end the Single Lender (Holder) Rule. This rule prevents student borrowers from consolidating their college loans with other lenders for better benefits. It also prohibits borrowers from reconsolidating in order to receive better terms. Eliminating the rule will give students and their families the opportunity to search for better rates and benefits, thus making it easier to pay off their debt.

The U.S. House of Representatives on March 30 voted to extend for six years the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill called the College Access and Opportunity Act, or H.R. 609, includes a student loan provision that would repeal the single holder rule. Other items include the reauthorization of financial aid through 2012, student loan forgiveness provided for service in areas of national need, and a requirement for lenders that consolidate to provide more information to borrowers.

Although H.R. 609 included the elimination of the single holder rule, it only is in force for those student loans received on or after July 1. Therefore, the single holder rule remains in effect for the next three months, which negatively impacts student borrowers’ options, preventing them from consolidating with other lenders before their rates automatically increase on July 1, 2006.

The bill now is in the hands of the Senate. Therefore, a Senate vote could occur any time. The single lender rule, even with Senate approval, would not be repealed until July 1. At this time only the Senate can make changes to the reauthorization bill. However, if the Senate institutes changes that then are passed, the bill would revert back to the House.

Repealing the single lender rule is important for student loan borrowers. With the rule as it stands, student loans must be sent through the Department of Education, leaving students without many options.

The single lender rule prevents student borrowers from consolidating their college loans with other lenders for better benefits. Without the option of Federal student loan consolidation borrowers could be tied for years to one lender’s unsatisfactory agreement. This could hinder borrowers from receiving benefits that are more advantageous to their needs. In addition, the single lender rule prohibits borrowers from reconsolidating in order to receive better terms.

The elimination of the single lender rule would afford student loan borrowers many more options to help ease their financial situation. Student loan borrowers could have the choice to search for better rates and benefits, thus making it easier to pay off their bills.

Borrowers and other concerned citizens do not have to sit on the sidelines while waiting to find out the results of the Senate’s vote and how it impacts their future. They easily can speak out and ask their senators to allow students the right to consolidate their loans through a lender of their choice.

Since the government is supposed to work for the people, the people need to speak up. All those concerned with repealing the single lender rule can write a message to their senators through the following link:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/

Students and concerned citizens also can call (202) 224-3121 and ask to speak with their senators.

Students and concerned citizens throughout the United States have been watching closely to see the effects of all the legislation affecting the federal student loan program. The negative effects basically began with the passing of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, S. 1932, which was signed into law Feb. 8 by President Bush and cuts $12.7 billion to the federal student loan program.

By acting now, student loan borrowers and their families can act to improve their educational financial opportunities. To do this they must contact their senators by July 1, 2006 to end the Single Lender (Holder) Rule. Getting rid of this rule will enable them to search for the best student loan rates and benefits and help them to pay off their bills.