More than 40 Democratic lawmakers demanded that the Education and Treasury departments abandon reported talks to sell a portion of the federal student‑loan portfolio to private investors. In a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon and Treasury officials, senators and representatives warned that a sale could strip borrowers of legal protections, violate statutory terms, and harm taxpayers if loans are sold at a loss. The letter notes the legal requirement that protections attached to federal loans survive a sale and requests details about any discussions or participants. The move escalates scrutiny of the administration’s debt‑management plans and signals likely congressional oversight hearings if the agencies press ahead without transparent safeguards.