House passes bill barring colleges that boycott Israel from federal aid, 237-169

The House of Representatives on September 3, 2026 passed H.R. 4795, the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026, by a roll call vote of 237 to 169.

The bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit an institution of higher education that participates in a "nonexpressive commercial boycott" of a major strategic partner of the United States — a category the bill's title and summary identify as Israel — from being eligible for certain federal funds under that Act. Under the measure, a nonexpressive commercial boycott is defined as a commercial action, including refusing to deal or terminating business activities, that is intended to limit commercial relations with a major strategic partner and is not based on a valid business reason.

The bill also requires institutions that receive, or apply to receive, Title VI funds — federal funding for foreign language and international education programs — to certify annually that students and faculty may participate in academic programs in Israel on the same terms as programs in other foreign countries, and that students and faculty from Israeli institutions may participate in the certifying institution's programs on the same terms as those from other foreign countries.

The legislation was introduced in July 2025 by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), for herself and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. It included a sense of Congress that limitations on cooperative efforts between U.S. institutions of higher education and a major strategic partner do not serve the security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States.

Having passed the House, the bill would next go to the Senate.