U.S. House Passes Bill Targeting Universities That Boycott Israel

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2026 — The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed legislation that could restrict federal funding for universities that participate in certain commercial boycotts of Israel, marking the latest congressional effort to address disputes over Israel-related activism on American college campuses.

The Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act (H.R. 4795) passed by a vote of 237–169, with 203 Republicans, 33 Democrats and one Independent voting in favor. Two Republicans voted against the measure, while 27 lawmakers did not vote.

The bill would amend the Higher Education Act to make institutions ineligible for certain federal funds if they engage in what the legislation defines as a “nonexpressive commercial boycott” of Israel. It would also require certain universities participating in federally supported international education programs to certify that students are not unreasonably prevented from taking part in academic programs in Israel.

Supporters of the legislation, including Republican Representative Virginia Foxx and Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer, argue that the measure is intended to combat discrimination and antisemitism and to ensure that students and faculty have access to academic opportunities involving Israel.

Critics, however, say the legislation could put pressure on universities to abandon their own institutional decisions about boycotts and could have implications for freedom of speech and political expression. Some opponents argue that the federal government should not condition education funding on whether universities maintain commercial relationships with a particular foreign country.

The vote also revealed a degree of bipartisan disagreement. Although the bill was largely supported by Republicans, 33 Democrats joined them in voting for the measure, while 167 Democrats voted against it.

The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate, where its future remains uncertain. If approved by both chambers, it would still require presidential action before becoming law.

The vote comes amid continuing political and legal battles over how American universities respond to Israel-related protests, boycotts and academic exchanges, particularly in the aftermath of the Gaza war