House Passes H.R. 4795, Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, 237-169, Prohibiting Boycotts of Israel by Institutions Receiving Federal Funds
The House of Representatives convened for a session primarily focused on the passage of H.R. 4795, the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026. This legislation aims to prohibit institutions of higher education receiving federal funds from engaging in nonexpressive commercial boycotts of Israel and to ensure equitable academic opportunities involving Israel. The bill passed with a recorded vote of 237-169. The session also included several one-minute speeches, a moment of silence for the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, and a 60-minute special order speech.
The passage of H.R. 4795 represents a significant legislative action impacting the relationship between federal funding and institutional policies regarding Israel, particularly in the context of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The debate highlighted tensions between combating anti-Semitism and protecting free speech and academic freedom on college campuses. The designation of a district work period also signals a shift in the legislative calendar.
Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026
H.R. 4795Question before the chamber
The question was on the passage of H.R. 4795, as amended, which aims to prohibit institutions of higher education receiving federal funds from engaging in nonexpressive commercial boycotts of Israel and to ensure equitable academic opportunities involving Israel.
The case for
Proponents, including Mr. Walberg and Ms. Foxx, argued that the bill is crucial to combat anti-Semitism on American campuses, which they asserted has seen an alarming rise. They stated that campaigns to boycott Israel, such as the BDS movement, are discriminatory and should not be fueled by taxpayer-funded federal programs. Ms. Foxx highlighted that the co-founder of the BDS movement seeks the 'dismantling of Israel' and cited examples of administrative-level agreements and faculty endorsements of academic boycotts of Israel. They emphasized that the bill protects academic and economic freedom by ensuring fair treatment for Israeli students, faculty, institutions, and businesses, and ensures accountability for federal taxpayer dollars.
The case against
Opponents, including Mr. Scott of Virginia, Ms. Tlaib, and Mr. Castro of Texas, argued that the bill is an attack on free speech and academic freedom, forcing universities to pledge loyalty to a foreign government. They asserted that boycotts are protected free speech under the First Amendment, citing NAACP v. Claiborne Hardware Co., and that the bill's focus on 'nonexpressive commercial boycotts' is problematic as BDS is inherently expressive. They contended that the bill would punish students, particularly working-class students dependent on federal aid, for protesting against what they described as a 'genocidal apartheid state' and actions in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Mr. Castro specifically noted that the bill's language includes Israeli settlements, defending what he called 'illegal acts by a foreign government'.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The bill, as amended, was passed by the House of Representatives.
237-169
Who is affected
- Institutions of Higher Education: Will be required to certify non-participation in certain boycotts of Israel to receive federal funding, potentially impacting their autonomy in institutional policies.
- Students (Jewish students): Proponents argue the bill protects Jewish students from discrimination and anti-Semitism on campus by preventing institutional boycotts targeting Israel.
- Students (supporting BDS or relying on federal aid): Opponents argue the bill could infringe on their free speech rights and potentially jeopardize their access to federal student aid if their institutions are deemed non-compliant due to boycott-related activities.
- Israeli institutions and businesses: The bill aims to prevent discrimination against them in academic and commercial relations with U.S. universities.
House Passes Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act
highThe House passed H.R. 4795, the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026, by a recorded vote of 237 yeas to 169 nays. The bill prohibits institutions of higher education participating in federal programs from engaging in nonexpressive commercial boycotts of Israel and requires them to certify that academic opportunities involving Israel are treated equally to those involving other countries.
Debate on Free Speech and Anti-Semitism in Higher Education
highDuring the debate on H.R. 4795, proponents argued the bill was necessary to combat anti-Semitism and discrimination against Israel on college campuses, while opponents raised concerns about the bill infringing on First Amendment rights, academic freedom, and potentially punishing students for political expression. The discussion highlighted differing views on the nature and impact of the BDS movement.
25th Anniversary of September 11th Remembered
mediumMembers observed a moment of silence in honor of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Several members delivered one-minute speeches remembering the victims, first responders, and the national unity that followed the attacks.
Designation of District Work Period
mediumThe Speaker designated the period from Thursday, September 3, 2026, through Sunday, September 13, 2026, as a 'district work period' under clause 13 of Rule I.