Key facts
- The US House of Representatives passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act.
- The bill requires universities receiving federal student aid to not boycott Israel.
- Institutions with federal funding for international study must certify they do not restrict student participation in programs in Israel.
- The legislation passed the House by a 237-169 vote.
- 33 Democrats voted in favor of the bill, while two Republicans voted against it.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the "Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act" on Thursday, a Republican-backed bill aimed at penalizing universities that boycott Israel or restrict student exchange programs. The legislation, which requires Senate approval to become law, passed with a 237-169 vote. The bill mandates that universities receiving federal student aid must not engage in boycotts of Israel. Additionally, institutions with federal funding for international study must certify annually that they do not impose restrictions on students participating in programs in Israel or on Israeli students participating in programs on their campuses.