The 2-year national state of emergency associated with COVID-19 has concluded, and as a result, the array of federal relief programs put in place to support Americans during the pandemic have also come to an end. US unemployment rates have fallen back to pre-pandemic levels and data indicates that broad borrower distress has subsided. Now, with expanded support in place for borrowers who need it, it’s time for the nation to resume federal student loan payments as planned in May, 2022.