Austin News

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have requested an investigation into Education Secretary Miguel Cardona for a potential violation of the Hatch Act and other federal laws. The senators addressed their concerns in a letter to Department of Education Inspector General Sandra D. Bruce, focusing on a recent communication from Secretary Cardona to student loan borrowers.

The letter from the senators states, "Congress did not appropriate taxpayer dollars to the Department for the Secretary to characterize taxpayers as ‘special interests,’ engage in partisan political activities, or impugn elected officials." They argue that such actions misuse congressionally appropriated funds and could violate several statutes, including the Purpose Statute and Anti-Deficiency Act.

The controversy centers around a letter sent by Secretary Cardona regarding the Biden-Harris administration’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. The senators allege that this communication included partisan attacks against Republican officials, suggesting it was intended to influence voters during an election year.

"In recent weeks, several federal courts have issued rulings in lawsuits brought by Republican elected officials who are siding with special interests and trying to block Americans from accessing all the benefits of the most affordable student loan repayment plan in history – the SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) Plan," wrote Secretary Cardona in his letter.

He further stated that he and President Biden would continue efforts related to student loan debt transfers "no matter how many times Republican elected officials try to stop us."

The senators' letter calls for an expedited investigation into whether Secretary Cardona's actions constitute violations of the Hatch Act, Anti-Lobbying Act, Purpose Statute, Anti-Deficiency Act, or other relevant laws and policies. They emphasize that using taxpayer dollars for political purposes is inappropriate, especially during an election year.

"The Biden-Harris administration should not use taxpayer dollars for transparently political attacks on Republicans," they assert.

The senators request prompt attention to this matter and interim updates on the status of any investigation initiated by Inspector General Bruce's office.