The US House of Representatives has passed legislation targeting university boycotts of Israel. The bill would block federal aid for universities that boycott Israel if it becomes law.
The Republican-majority chamber approved the measure on Thursday by 237 votes to 169.
The legislation, called the “Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act,” must still pass the Senate before becoming law.
House Vote Draws Bipartisan Split
The House vote largely followed party lines, although several Democrats supported the legislation.
Two Republicans voted against the bill, while 33 Democrats voted in favour.
The measure comes amid growing political debate in the United States over Israel, the war in Gaza and protests on university campuses.
The Gaza conflict has caused widespread destruction across the Palestinian enclave.
According to the Gaza health ministry, Israeli attacks have killed more than 73,000 Palestinians.
The conflict has also triggered protests and calls for boycotts at several US university campuses.
Debate Over Israel Boycotts and Campus Protests
The legislation follows increased Republican efforts to support Israel through congressional measures.
At the same time, Democratic criticism of the Israeli government has grown over the war in Gaza.
Republican President Donald Trump has also targeted colleges and universities through investigations and threats involving federal funding.
The administration and several Republicans in Congress have accused protesters of antisemitism and supporting extremism.
However, protesters reject those allegations.
They argue that supporting Palestinian rights and opposing the destruction in Gaza should not be equated with antisemitism.
Nadler Defends Free Speech
US Representative Jerrold Nadler, a New York Democrat, opposed the bill despite his position against the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.
Before the vote, Nadler said he supported Americans’ right to free expression.
“It is the only way to ensure speech I do agree with is equally protected,” Nadler said.
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement seeks to isolate Israel over its treatment of Palestinians.
The movement has become a major point of debate during discussions about university policies and Israel-related academic partnerships.
Bill Sponsors Say Academic Debate Is Protected
Supporters of the legislation said the bill would not prevent academic speech or debate. Instead, its sponsors said the measure would prevent universities from targeting Israel and Judaism.
US Representative Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey Democrat, urged lawmakers to support the bill.
“It simply says that if your university takes federal taxpayer dollars, it can’t discriminate against academic partnerships or investments with one country,” Gottheimer said.
The bill now faces the next stage of the legislative process in the Senate. For the measure to become law, the Senate would have to approve the legislation.
