Congress today considered another piece of legislation that would’ve kept federal student loans affordable for the estimated 7 million new borrowers after interest rates doubled to 6.8 percent July 1. 

The bill, which got Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz’s votes, would’ve restored lower rates for a year and closed tax loopholes.

But the act was filibustered.

Last week, thousands of new Hawaii student loan borrowers started paying double in interest. It’s estimated that each new Stafford loan borrower across the country will pay nearly $1,000 more on his or her loans this upcoming school year. 

University of Hawaii at Manoa student senators last month passed an emergency resolution urging Congress to keep the rates low.

— Alia Wong