Story perspectives

House Passes Bill Blocking University Funding for Israel Boycotts

9/7/2026

Center

House Blocks Funding

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act on September 3, 2026, blocking federal funding to universities that boycott Israel.
The bill amends the 1965 Higher Education Act, tying federal funds to a certification that schools do not boycott Israel commercially.
House Democratic leaders opposed the bill, citing potential free-speech infringements.
The Department of Education must publish a list of schools that fail to certify compliance.

Left

House Blocks Funding

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, blocking federal funding to universities that boycott Israel, on September 3, 2026.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib called the legislation an attack on free speech and academic freedom, labeling Israel a genocidal apartheid state.
The measure passed 237-169, with 33 Democrats joining Republicans.
Democratic committee members Bobby Scott and Jerrold Nadler warned it could violate First Amendment protections.

History

Historical Context

Anti-boycott legislation began with the Export Administration Act of 1979 and resurfaced in the 2017 Roskam-Cardin Israel Anti-Boycott Act, which proposed $1 million penalties. By 2024, 38 states had enacted similar laws, and the 2026 Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act now ties federal university aid to anti-boycott certification, prompting Rep. Rashida Tlaib to warn of First-Amendment violations.

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House Blocks Funding

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act on September 3, 2026, blocking federal funding to universities that boycott Israel.
The bill amends the 1965 Higher Education Act, tying federal funds to a certification that schools do not boycott Israel commercially.
House Democratic leaders opposed the bill, citing potential free-speech infringements.
The Department of Education must publish a list of schools that fail to certify compliance.

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