Federal · 119th Congress
Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026
Policy areaEducation
Summary
This bill prohibits institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs from engaging in boycotts against Israel. Specifically, IHEs may not engage in a commercial action intended to limit commercial relations with Israel, or with an entity licensed by, regulated by, or organized under the laws of Israel, that is not based on a valid business reason.
Further, IHEs receiving, or applying to receive, Title VI funds (federal funding for foreign language and international education programs) must annually certify that (1) students and faculty are allowed to participate in academic programs located in Israel in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions as programs in other foreign countries, and (2) students and faculty at postsecondary institutions located in Israel may participate in such IHE’s academic programs in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions as students and faculty from other foreign countries.
Sponsor
Cosponsors
Floor votes
Other titles3
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit an institution that participates in a nonexpressive commercial boycott of Israel from being eligible for certain funds under that Act, to require an institution that participates in certain programs under that Act to certify that students are not unreasonably obstructed from participating in academic programs in Israel, and for other purposes.Official Title as IntroducedOfficial Title from EH (Engrossed in House) bill text
Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2025Short Title(s) as Introduced
Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026Short Title(s) as Reported to HouseShort Title(s) as Passed HouseShort Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text
Legislative history16
Sep 14, 2026
SenateReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Sep 3, 2026
House · AmendmentAmendment in the nature of a substitute reported by the House Committee on Rules.
Sep 3, 2026
House · FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Sep 3, 2026
House · Floor
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 169 (Roll no. 295). (text: CR H5483)Roll Call 295237–169
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Sep 3, 2026
House · FloorThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Sep 3, 2026
House · FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4795.
Sep 3, 2026
House · FloorRule provides for consideration of H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, H. Res. 1490 and H.R. 4795. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, H.Res. 1490, and H.R. 4795 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for a motion to recommit on H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, and H.R. 4795.
Sep 3, 2026
House · FloorConsidered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1499. (consideration: CR H5483-5488)
Sep 1, 2026
House · FloorRule H. Res. 1499 passed House.
Aug 31, 2026
House · FloorRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1499 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, H. Res. 1490 and H.R. 4795. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, H.Res. 1490, and H.R. 4795 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for a motion to recommit on H.R. 1501, H.R. 9436, and H.R. 4795.
Aug 27, 2026
HousePlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 681.
Aug 27, 2026
House · CommitteeReported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-780.
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Documents6
Texts
As referred to a Senate committeeLatestReferred in SenateU.S. Government Publishing OfficeSep 14, 2026As passed by the HouseEngrossed in HouseU.S. Government Publishing OfficeSep 3, 2026As reported by the House committeeReported in HouseU.S. Government Publishing OfficeAug 27, 2026As introduced in the HouseIntroduced in HouseU.S. Government Publishing OfficeJul 29, 2025