The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Thursday to pass the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, a measure that would prohibit the use of federal taxpayer dollars at any college or university that engages in a boycott of Israel. The vote was 237‑169, with the Republican majority largely in favor and only two Republicans breaking ranks.
Legislative background
The bill now moves to the Senate, where it must be approved before becoming law. Its sponsors say the legislation is not intended to curb academic debate but to ensure that institutions receiving federal aid do not discriminate against Israel or Judaism in their academic partnerships or investments.
Context of campus protests
Since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 people, the war in Gaza has claimed more than 73,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Gaza health ministry. The conflict has sparked widespread protests on U.S. campuses, with many student groups calling for boycotts of Israel. President Donald Trump’s administration has responded with investigations and threats to suspend federal funding for schools perceived to support the boycott.
Opposing viewpoints
Critics argue that the bill threatens free expression on campus. Representative Jerrold Nadler (D‑NY) said he opposes the BDS movement but would vote against the bill to protect Americans’ right to free speech. “It is the only way to ensure speech I do agree with is equally protected,” he said.
Supporters, including Representative Josh Gottheimer (D‑NJ), contend the measure simply ties federal funding to non‑discriminatory academic conduct, not to the content of scholarly debate.
Political split
The vote fell almost entirely along party lines, with 33 Democrats joining Republicans in favor and only two Republicans voting against the measure.
The legislation reflects a broader push by the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to counter what they view as antisemitic or extremist activity on campuses while defending Israel’s right to exist and thrive.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
